A school trustee in Prince George, British Columbia, described a harrowing experience when she was mistakenly detained by police at gunpoint, handcuffed, and then released. Erica McLean shared on social media that she was left feeling scared, overwhelmed, and angry after officers boxed in her vehicle at a shopping center following a routine coffee stop at a drive-thru.
Recalling the incident, McLean recounted the terrifying moment when she was confronted by police with guns drawn, demanding she exit her car and show her hands. She expressed her fear of potential harm and confusion as she was handcuffed and informed that her vehicle matched the description of a reported stolen car.
Despite experiencing a panic attack during the ordeal, McLean emphasized her duty as a public official, an Indigenous woman, and a community leader to seek clarification regarding the use of force in what she deemed an excessive response to an innocent individual leaving a drive-thru.
According to Prince George RCMP, the mistaken identity arose from a black 2025 Volkswagen Taos stolen by suspects linked to a local crime group. The police justified their actions as part of a high-risk vehicle stop due to the belief that the occupants were connected to criminal activity.
Following the mistaken identity revelation, the detained driver was promptly released, with Sgt. Dan Morris from the street crew unit acknowledging the error and expressing regret over the distress caused to the innocent individual. The RCMP offered support and assistance to the affected party in the aftermath of the incident.