Prince George School Trustee ‘Terrified’ After RCMP Mistake Vehicle for Stolen Car

Erica McLean, a school trustee in Prince George, British Columbia, says she was left “terrified” and shaken after members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) mistakenly ordered her out of her vehicle at gunpoint during a routine errand. McLean, who serves as a trustee and vice chair of School District No. 57, had pulled into a shopping centre after getting coffee when she found herself surrounded by police vehicles and officers pointing their weapons at her.

In a social media post, McLean described how officers yelled for her to show her hands and exit the vehicle. She froze in shock, worried that moving could provoke a dangerous response, and was briefly handcuffed before being released once officers realised she was not the person they were seeking. The experience left her feeling overwhelmed, afraid and angry, she said, and she believes her role as an Indigenous community leader and elected official makes it important to seek clarity on why such force was used.

Prince George RCMP later explained that officers were conducting a “high-risk vehicle stop” because they were searching for a black 2025 Volkswagen Taos reported stolen the day before and believed to be connected to a local crime group. Police say they quickly determined McLean was not connected to the investigation and released her without charges. Sgt. Dan Morris from the detachment’s street crew unit said officers have since explained to McLean what led them to believe the vehicle matched the description, and offered support through the victim services unit.

The incident has prompted questions about police tactics and communication during high-risk stops, particularly when mistaken identity is involved. McLean has called for answers from law enforcement to help her and her community understand why the encounter escalated as it did. As a trustee with experience in community education and Indigenous leadership, she says she wants reassurance that such incidents — which can cause profound fear and trauma — are handled with greater care in the future.

McLean, who has long been involved in education and community development in Prince George, was elected trustee for the School District No. 57 board of education and serves as vice chair, a role in which she represents her community on educational priorities and governance.