UPDATE: Saanich Police says an incident that shut down a section of the Pat Bay Highway has been resolved, but the highway will stay closed for several hours.
About an hour after advising of a police incident near Vanalman Avenue that shut down Highway 17 between McKenzie Avenue and Quadra Street, Saanich Police posted on Twitter that one person, a driver of a vehicle, is in custody.
No further details have been released, but say there is no danger to the public.
Saanich Police says as the incident unfolded, the highway had to be closed and motorists were advised in the area to seek shelter.
Update: Saanich Police have one person in custody, a driver of a vehicle, after a police involved incident on Hwy 17 near Vanalman Ave this evening.
As the incident unfolded, police had to close the highway and advise motorists in the immediate area to seek shelter. pic.twitter.com/3IS1Z3BGQv
— Saanich Police (@SaanichPolice) April 29, 2023
Saanich Police first tweeted an advisory shortly before 10 p.m. of the Pat Bay Highway closure.
Until further notice:
Please be advised that Highway 17 is closed in both directions from McKenzie Avenue to Quadra Street due to a police incident.
Use alternate routes.
— Saanich Police (@SaanichPolice) April 29, 2023
A witness at the scene shared on Social Media a picture of police tape crossing Highway 17, and said police told drivers to “leave everything behind, and evacuate as far away as possible, and go to the safest place we can get to.”
A vehicle left with sirens on. We're slowly being allowed back to our vehs. Both sides of PBH completely closed. Police tape up on opposite side of hwy from where original police stop was. #Saanich #yyjtraffic https://t.co/fTQ0YGf3mP pic.twitter.com/ecMKoIPkRu
— Michele (hopeless DCI Vera Stanhope fan)🕵️♀️ (@SocMedGirlyyj) April 29, 2023
The individual, who goes by Michele on Twitter, said among a group of evacuees, they heard what sounded like a gunshot or flash-bang.
This is a developing story and will be updated when more information is available.
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