Assault suspect arrested after large police presence shuts down Victoria street
A man is in police custody after an incident that shut down a downtown Victoria street and drew heavily armed "emergency response team" officers to the scene.
Patrol officers were called to the 700-block of Pandora Avenue shortly before 1 p.m. to arrest a man who is a suspect in an assault investigation, according to a news release from the Victoria Police Department.
The man refused to be arrested and barricaded himself inside his suite, police said. Neighbours told CTV News Vancouver Island the man was barricaded inside an apartment in the Cool Aid Society's supportive housing building.
Just before 5 p.m., officers taped off a section of Pandora Avenue between Douglas and Blanshard streets. Heavily armed police officers could be seen patrolling the blocked off road.
Police said officers spent several hours unsuccessfully negotiating with the man. Eventually, the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team "used irritant gas to assist in arresting the man," police said.
Officers at the scene could be seen donning gas masks and telling the public to move back as they prepared to use the gas.
Around 6 p.m., police said the situation had resolved and reopened the street to traffic.
Police said the man was taken into custody without further incident and without injury. He is a suspect in an investigation into an assault causing bodily harm and an assault by choking, police said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.