(MARSHALL JONES / iNFOnews.ca)

Several apartment units had to be evacuated after an RCMP "distraction device" sparked a fire after officers deployed it into an apartment unit during a hunt for a dangerous offender.

Adjacent apartments were evacuated in the Mission Hill area of Vernon during the incident Sept. 14.

According to a Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media release, officers in the 3400 block of Okanagan Avenue observed a man matching the description of Alexander Boucher, who is currently wanted for attempted murder.

At round 3:30 p.m., a containment area was set up around the property, and the heavily armed RCMP Southeast District Emergency Response Team was brought in to assist.

Police say as the tactical team made its way into the apartment, officers deployed a distraction device into the unit. Once inside officers realized a fire had been sparked in a storage room. Police say the distraction device is believed to have sparked the blaze.

"To ensure the safety of other building residents, the RCMP Critical Incident Commander ordered the immediate evacuation of adjacent apartments," RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey said in the release. "Vernon Fire Rescue Services crews were provided over-watch support as they managed to contain the small fire to the single unit... Vernon RCMP, who provided support to evacuees at the scene, wish to extend its appreciation for the patience and understanding of all those impacted by the unfolding situation."

The Vernon RCMP Police Dog Services was also brought in, but Boucher was not found at the scene.

Boucher, along with Terrance Alan Jones, are both wanted in relation to a violent stabbing that took place in the Shuswap in August. The two men, along with Jordy Kyle Moyan, who is in custody, have been charged with attempted murder, assault with a weapon, aggravated assault and using a firearm to commit robber.

The RCMP warn the general public not to approach Alexander Boucher or Terrance Jones. If spotted in any community to call 9-1-1 immediately.

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