Heavily armed St. Thomas police enter north-end apartment building

Heavily armed police searched an apartment building in St. Thomas following an early morning disturbance. CTV’s Sean Irvine explains.

Heavily armed St. Thomas police officers entered a north-end apartment building early Wednesday morning.

They were responding to disturbance calls from multiple residents at 104 Confederation Dr.

One person who lives in the building told CTV News he noticed police vehicles rushing to the scene around 6:30 a.m.

Officers, armed with long guns, were focused on a first-floor unit.

Initially, residents attempting to leave for work or errands were told to stay inside.

Around 7:30 a.m., one person was taken away by officers.

A police spokesperson could not confirm if they were a suspect, witness, or victim in the case.

However, shortly after their removal, officers took up positions outside the first-floor unit while a canine unit searched the area around the apartment building and a neighbouring retail plaza.

Around 9 a.m., heavily armed officers, part of the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), arrived.

They entered the building, and about half an hour later, one team member could be heard telling officers outside that the situation was “clear.” The CIRT departed minutes later.

Police believe no one has been injured.

A spokesperson said the earlier containment of the building was done in the interest of public safety.

She said the investigation remains active, but could not confirm if police are still looking for others involved.

Police say they cleared the scene at the apartment building at approximately 7:15 p.m.