That’s how rodeo announcer Tyson Pietsch described the Williams Lake Stampede Association’s (WLSA) handling of the Stampede evacuation on Sunday, July 3, after two people were shot behind the grandstand at the fairgrounds. “The Williams Lake Stampede Association board and volunteers had a plan in place,” he told the Tribune Monday morning in the Stampede Grounds parking lot. READ MORE: Two people shot behind stands during Williams Lake riot, 1 man arrested READ MORE: MIRACLE: 2 people shot at Lake Williams Stampede expected to survive injuries Pietsch praised WLSA volunteer Deanne Thomas for arriving quickly to hand him the evacuation process and instructing him to read a prepared statement. “It wasn’t my words, it was what they gave me. Dee Thomas, she’s the one who should get a lot of credit for how that evacuation happened yesterday.” During the evacuation, Pietsch’s voice exuded calm as more than 4,600 people were instructed to clear the grandstand just before the final bull ride of the day. As he spoke from the microphone, he urged everyone to stay calm and not run. He read instructions on how to get out and encouraged everyone to look out for others who may need help. It was his first time leading an emergency evacuation due to gunfire. He had done it in the past for extreme weather events like a tornado in Benalto, Alta. during a rodeo about 15 years ago. In that incident the crowd had to go to an underground rink or go home. “That was unreal yesterday,” he said in comparison. “At first I thought it was a prank. I thought it was a kid with a cap gun, whatever. I thought the contingency plan worked very well and I hope they never have to use it again.” A suspect was arrested and taken into custody in the parking lot by RCMP within minutes of the shooting. On Monday, July 4, the District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Jordell Sellars, 33, is facing charges of attempted murder and discharging a firearm with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody. READ MORE: Jordell Sellars, 33, charged in shooting in Williams Lake shooting that left 2 injured [email protected] Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter CrimeWilliams Lake