Saanich Police says a man is in custody and facing firearm-related charges after police contained Mount Douglas Park early Friday night.
Police were called at 6:20 p.m. for a report a man was spotted carrying a firearm on a Mount Doug Park trail.
Responding officers spoke with multiple witnesses who confirmed the sighting and provided police with information including the direction the man was going and what he was wearing.
Saanich police officers began evacuating people from the park and contained the area, posting on social media for people to stay clear of the park.
ALERT: Saanich Police are asking the public to stay clear of the area including and surrounding Mount Douglas Park for an active police investigation. Further details will be provided once updates are available.#saanich #yyj
— Saanich Police (@SaanichPolice) July 18, 2020
Police say during the search, witnesses still in the park provided more information and officers located the suspect at the summit of the mountain.
The man was taken into custody without incident.
Saanich Police says the firearm involved turned out to be a replica handgun and charges are being for firearm offences.
“We would like to thank everyone who came forward and spoke to our officers this evening. Their information and cooperation proved to be crucial in helping us locate the
suspect in this serious call regarding public safety,” Saanich Police said in a statement.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.
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