A quiet little street in a West End neighbourhood more closely resembled a war zone Thursday after the heavily-armed police tactical unit was called in to deal with a man who was contemplating suicide.
Police were made aware of the situation around 1:30 pm by what the authorities would only describe as "an agency."
Information indicated the man was holed up in an apartment in a two-storey building at 453 Horobin St. near the Park Lawn Cemetery and could have firearms. He did not have any hostages.
A large area was immediately sealed off and two schools, Princess Anne Public School off Douglas Street and Gatchell Senior Public School were put in what?s called a lock-down mode.
School buses were called in to transport children home. Those children who are not bused were kept at the school until parents or guardians could pick them up. Numerous police cruisers blocked streets near Horobin.
Relatives of the allegedly suicidal man showed up at the Princess Ann roadblock and could be heard saying they had been unsuccessfully trying to contact the 47-year-old.
They were driving to the residence to check on the man in person but were met by cruisers.
The individual's sister walked up to a police vehicle and was apprised of the situation. Shortly after 5 pm the man surrendered to police.
A witness said he left the building holding a cell phone and a dog.. The man was transported to the St. Joseph's Health Centre for psychiatric treatment. He had not been wounded and had not suffered any physical injury.
On Friday a police spokesperson said no weapon had been found. No charges were laid against the individual who was still in custody under the provisions of the Mental Health Act and receiving medical treatment.
- Rick Pusiak
