Things went sideways as Conservation and Fisheries Protection officers were trying to take 5 people into custody on suspicion of illegally harvesting clams in the Cowichan/Duncan area about 4:30 this morning.
Two suspects managed to flee into nearby woods where shots were fired.
RCMP were called, and managed to get the Fishery Officers and 3 suspects out safely. They then called in the District Emergency Response Team.
One of the suspects was located at his residence at Squaw Hay One First Nations near Chemainus.
49-year-old Robert Wayne Guerin was taken into custody without incident. He has been charged with Careless use of a Firearm and Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon.
He's been released with conditions, and will be back in Court on April 18th.
The other suspect turned himself in to RCMP and was released pending further investigation.
No one was injured during the incident. Investigators say no further information will be released as their investigation continues.