Two men were arrested and are now facing serious charges stemming from a lengthy standoff with police in Saanich on Wednesday.
Saanich Police Department officers responded to a home in the 300-block of Vincent Avenue at around 1 p.m. after learning that multiple people were being held against their will and that two people were carrying loaded firearms, according to a press release.
As a result, neighbouring homes and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response (GVERT) team were called in to deal with the situation.
Over the course of several hours, GVERT teams negotiated with the suspects inside and at around 8 p.m., two men surrendered.
The two victims who had been held against their will inside the home were not physically injured and were taken to safety, according to the release, which also notes that firearms were located inside as well, including an unregistered loaded 9mm handgun.
A 31-year-old man and a 50-year-old man, both known to police, were arrested and are facing charges related to weapons possession, forcible confinement, and breaching court orders.
“One of the men had 8 outstanding warrants for violent offences, and was in possession of a loaded firearm, contrary to his court conditions. We are very satisfied to have made the arrest of both men last, who were clearly a danger to the public, and are now facing very serious criminal charges,” the release states.
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