At approximately 7:59 a.m. on Feb. 9, 2012, officers at the Burns Lake RCMP detachment received a report of gun shots being fired at a Southside residence, near Grassy Plains.
Police officers immediately responded to the call and the B.C. Ambulance Service was already on scene.
During their investigation, officers located a deceased male at the residence.
According to St. Sgt. Grant MacDonald, responding officers initially deemed the death suspicious in nature due to the absence of a weapon.
He said, "In an attempt to secure the scene, police were faced with a large number of agitated people, some threatening the police. Police were concerned for their personal safety and requested additional resources to assist in securing the scene."
Police resources including Prince George Forensic Identification Services also attended the scene to assist in the investigation.
During further investigation the absent weapon was located and secured and it was determined that the adult male died as a result of a self inflicted wound.
"Once it was determined the investigation was not criminal in nature, the investigation was turned over to the Coroner."
Burns Lake RCMP victim services were also utilized in the investigation.
"This matter is now a Coroner case and no criminal charges are being considered at this time,' St. Sgt. MacDonald said.
"Police wish to remind the public that police have the legal authority to maintain security around crime scenes and people who interfere with a criminal investigation are subject to charges of obstruction under Section 129(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada."