Suspect at large following Vernon firearms incident

Police are hoping the public can help them locate a suspect who is considered violent, and is wanted in a Vernon firearms complaint.

An incident took place around 2 p.m., on Saturday (July 23), when officers from the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP responded to a weapons complaint outside a residential building in the 3700-block of 27th Avenue.

“A female victim at the location told responding officers that an altercation had taken place between her and a man in the parking lot at the location. During the altercation the man produced what appeared to be a handgun and allegedly pointed it at her. The incident ended when the man walked away and the victim was able to call 911,” a news release from RCMP stated.

Members of the RCMP Southeast District Emergency Response Team and the RCMP Police Dog Services were deployed to assist frontline officers in locating the suspect who was possibly still in possession of the weapon.

“Despite an exhaustive search, the suspect has not yet been located and police are turning to the public for their assistance in locating the man,” the release added.

The suspect, 47-year old Michael Hans Bopfinger, is wanted for assault, uttering threats and a number of firearms related offences.

Michael Bopfinger is described as:

· Height: 5’9” (177cm)

· Weight: 300 lbs (136kg)

· Blue eyes

· Shaved head

· Full beard

Police say Bopfinger is considered violent and should not be approached. If you locate him, contact police by calling 911.