A Smithers man remained in custody as of April 18 on nine charges and pending a psychiatric assessment stemming from a rampage in a rock truck through the streets of Smithers April 2.

Zachary Apperloo is charged with two counts of assault with a weapon, dangerous operation of a conveyance, flight from police, motor vehicle theft, and mischief to property over $5,000 and three breaches of a release order.

RCMP said in an email they responded to a report of a possible impaired operation of a vehicle just before 9 p.m. on April 2.

Officers said when they located the suspect vehicle, the driver attempted to ram the police vehicle.

鈥淒ue to the escalation of potential grievous harm to police as a result, shots were fired by police,鈥� said Cpl. Alex B茅rub茅, an RCMP spokesperson. 鈥淟uckily, nobody was injured and police were able to stop the suspect.鈥�

Apperloo was scheduled to appear in court April for an arraignment 鈥� an opportunity to enter a plea 鈥� on these and a similar set of seven charges from a previous incident on Feb. 5.

Gordon Comer, a spokesperson for the B.C. Prosecution Service said there is also a May 15 appearance that will address the results of a psychiatric assessment.

鈥淭hat assessment is being conducted in-custody,鈥� Comer said.