Here’s why armed Saanich Police officers were seen near Camosun College on Tuesday

Many took to social media Tuesday after an incident in Saanich saw heavily armed police swarm a vehicle.

A significant police presence was observed outside Camosun College’s Interurban campus on Wednesday, October 16th.

Armed officers were seen conducting a traffic stop on Interurban Road.

Witnesses, including students, reported seeing officers with guns drawn surrounding an older SUV parked near the campus entrance.

The vehicle was stopped as part of an emergency response by the Saanich Police.

According to a statement from the Saanich Police Department, the incident stemmed from a call on Tuesday, October 15th, about a person in mental distress who was reportedly threatening self-harm and in possession of a firearm.

Officers located the individual while driving and conducted a tactical traffic stop in the 4400 block of Interurban Road.

The individual was taken into custody without incident and transported to the hospital for further care.

Police are reminding the public that resources are available for those in crisis, including the BC Crisis Line, which can be reached at 1-800-784-2433.