West Shore RCMP has arrested an armed suspect after a multiple-hour standoff on New Year’s Eve.
In a report issued on Tuesday, police say that the incident took place at approximately 10:40 p.m. on Dec. 31.
Police say they were called to a residence near the 2700-block of Spencer Rd. in Langford for a report of a male suspect who had allegedly pointed a loaded handgun at another resident inside the home.
“The victim was able to leave the home without any injuries and called police,” said police in a statement.
West Shore RCMP says that due to the dangerous nature of this call, extensive police resources were deployed.
Along with frontline officers, the Vancouver Island RCMP Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Service and Crisis Negotiators responded to the incident.
According to police, surrounding residents were evacuated as a safety measure as police set up a perimeter to contain the armed and barricaded suspect.
At around 3:00 a.m. on January 1, the suspect eventually complied with police demands and exited his home.
The 32-year-old suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
The suspect has been charged with assault and careless use of a firearm, according to RCMP.
Following the arrest, West Shore RCMP executed a search warrant on the suspect’s residence and seized 14 firearms, ammunition, body armour as well as the suspect’s firearms licence. Police are continuing their investigation. There is no doubt that police actions in containing the situation and negotiating with the suspect descaled the situation and allowed for a peaceful resolution. The officers in attendance did an outstanding job in keeping our community safe,
said Staff Sergeant Raj Sandhu, Operation NCO, West Shore RCMP.
The standoff lasted slightly over four hours.
Graham Cox
