A significant police operation took place Thursday in Taylor, British Columbia, as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) sought to apprehend a wanted man. The operation involved multiple units, including a tactical armored vehicle, police dogs, and an emergency response team.

The target of the manhunt was 39-year-old Johnathon Michael Peters, who was wanted on several charges, including uttering threats, mischief over $5,000, and obstructing a peace officer. Officers executed a Feeney warrant, which allows police to enter a residence to make an arrest, at a home in Fort St. John early Thursday morning. However, Peters was not located at that address.

Following the initial search, police received information suggesting Peters might be in Taylor. Around noon, emergency response members attempted to stop a side-by-side ATV believed to be driven by Peters. The vehicle fled into Peace Island Park, a popular camping area, but RCMP maintained contact with a tracking team, drones, and the Air Three helicopter.

The pursuit continued until Peters' vehicle became inoperable on an island in the Pine River. He was taken into custody around 2 p.m. Staff Sgt. Scott Watson of the Fort St. John RCMP described the incident as "dynamic and lengthy," praising the coordination among various RCMP units that led to Peters' safe arrest.

Peters is now facing additional charges, including flight from a peace officer and dangerous operation of a conveyance. He has a lengthy criminal history in British Columbia, with past charges including assault, theft, and multiple driving prohibitions.

Const. Christiaan Dreyer noted that the extensive police response was due to Peters' previous interactions with law enforcement. "We requested as many resources as we thought were necessary to keep everybody safe," he said. The operation highlighted the challenges of policing in more isolated areas, where resources may not be as readily available as in larger urban centers.