UPDATE: Police reopen Hwy 97 north of Kelowna airport

(UPDATE: Dec. 6 @ 2:15 pm) - Hwy 97 is open once again north of Kelowna International Airport.

The Kelowna RCMP shut down the highway in both directions shortly before 1 pm due to an ongoing assault investigation.

Members of the Southeast District’s Emergency Response Team were called in and appeared to be focused on one home near Commonwealth Road.

While the highway has reopened, police will not be providing any further details as officers remain on scene and continue to investigate the incident.

The RCMP is thanking motorists for their patience and advising that there will be delays in the area as a result of the closure.

(Original story: Dec. 6 @ 12:55 pm) - There’s a heavy police presence in north of Kelowna International Airport (YLW) this afternoon and it’s resulted in the closure of Hwy 97.

According to the Kelowna RCMP, tactical police from the Southeast District’s Emergency Response Team are investigating an assault that happened early this morning.

The ongoing probe has forced the RCMP to shut down Hwy 97 in both directions between Beaver Lake Road and Old Vernon Road.

“Vehicles are being turned around and motorists are asked to avoid the area,” notes an RCMP release.

Motorists can use Glenmore Road as a detour around the incident.

A woman who submitted a photo of police to KelownaNow said police appear to be focused on a residence and have set up a perimeter.

"They've had drones flying over the property and about another 10 cruisers and an ambulance are sitting down the highway at The Jammery," she explained.

Police promised an update once the highway reopens and thanked the public for their patience at this time.