Friday, April 18, 2025

Getting Their Man

Local 68 member Adam Rebalkin helped the RCMP subdue an armed suspect

Three years ago, Adam went out to buy some winter gear—and came home a hero. The Red Seal carpenter and journeyman scaffolder with PCL Constructors West Coast Inc. was shopping at Mark’s in Kamloops, BC, in January 2022.

“I was in the back of the store and heard a commotion going on at the front,” 38-year-old Adam says.

A suspected shoplifter had been spotted by staff and stopped by another customer, who Adam later learned was an off-duty RCMP officer.

“The guy was told that the police were coming and, as time went on, he started getting more and more agitated,” recalls Adam. “I was keeping an eye on things and thought I’d stay close by in case it got physical.”

An argument ensued, and the situation escalated quickly.

“They started to scuffle with each other,” he says. “The shoplifter then pulled a hatchet off his belt, although it still had the sheath on it. It wasn’t the bare blade, but it was basically a hammer.”

Adam watched as the suspect raised his weapon to strike the man who was holding him.

“I came up behind him and grabbed his arm so he couldn’t swing, and I wrestled the hatchet out of his hand,” says Adam.

The struggle didn’t end there. It took the efforts of both Adam and the off-duty officer to subdue the suspect.

“He was a pretty big guy,” says Adam. “We wrestled him down to the ground and fell through the front door onto the sidewalk. As soon as he fell down, I was able to get my knee on his back and hold his arm behind him.”

At the same time, several police cruisers were pulling up to the store. The suspect was quickly arrested and taken away.

“All the police officers came over and shook my hand and thanked me for saving their partner,” says Adam.

Store staff rewarded his bravery by giving him a discount on his purchase.

When he finally returned to his home in Coldstream, BC, Adam told his girlfriend, Ashley, all about his dramatic adventure.

“I don’t think she really believed me,” he laughs. “I think she thought I was exaggerating, until we got to the ceremony, and they verified everything word for word.”

Adam received a certificate of appreciation at an RCMP ceremony held about a year after the incident. The off-duty officer was also honoured. The certificate recounts the events of the day and commends Adam for his heroism: “Mr. Rebalkin did not hesitate to step up and help the off-duty officer, putting his own safety at risk, especially considering the presence of a weapon. His quick actions were undoubtedly instrumental in preventing what could have been a much more serious situation. His bravery and assistance to the Kamloops RCMP is appreciated and deservedly recognized with this award.”

Adam modestly downplays his heroics that day.

“It never felt like there was an immediate threat to me, because I was behind the suspect,” he says. “I didn’t want the other guy to get hurt, because he was just trying to do the right thing.”

Adam and Ashley

Getting Their Man

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