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Update: Police talk man in distress off of 15th-floor Bruce St. apartment balcony

Original report was that man was trying to break into another unit with an axe, but police say they never found the weapon in his possession
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(File)

Updated Oct. 19 at 11:50 a.m.

Greater Sudbury Police say they successfully de-escalated a “volatile situation” at a Bruce Street apartment building Sunday evening involving a man in distress on a 15th floor balcony.

Police say they received a call at 5 p.m. Oct. 18 about a man allegedly armed with an axe attempting to enter a unit within the building.

Officers found the man on the balcony of a unit located on the 15th floor of the building. The man was in emotional distress, and there were concerns he was a danger to himself, but at no point did officers see an axe in his possession, say police.

Police secured the area and two officers began speaking with the man from an adjacent balcony.

Members of the Emergency Response Unit (Tactical Unit) trained in Crisis Negotiations arrived on scene and took over communications with the man. 

The man in distress told officers he had locked himself out of his unit and that he was cold. The man agreed that officers could enter his apartment, unlock the balcony door and leave, allowing him to go inside. 

When the man went inside his unit, Emergency Response Officers rappelled down onto his balcony to ensure that he could not go back outside, greatly reducing the risk of self-harm. 

Negotiators continued communications with the man until just after 9 p.m., when he peacefully surrendered to officers. The 30-year-old man was transported to hospital to receive the treatment and services that he requires. 

“We would like to commend everyone involved in this call for de-escalating a volatile situation and coming to a peaceful resolution,” said GSPS. “Great work by everyone involved.”

Updated: Oct. 18 at 10:50 p.m.

Greater Sudbury Police Services crisis negotiators reached a peaceful resolution with a man in distress in the Cambrian Heights neighbourhood.

A 30-year-old man was transported to hospital to receive required services.

Bruce Avenue has been reopened to the public.

Greater Sudbury Police thanked the public for their cooperation in this matter.

Original story:

Greater Sudbury Police are on the scene of a man in emotional distress on Bruce Avenue in the Cambrian Heights area.

Officers are attempting to communicate with the man and there is no threat to public safety.

Police have closed the road between Cambrian Heights Drive and Dell Street.

Greater Sudbury Police are asking that the public stay away from the area at this time.