Nanaimo RCMP say they were able to peacefully arrest an individual who they described as a violent offender after a stand off that took place on Sunday, February 2nd.
Police say the situation began on Saturday evening when an individual allegedly assaulted and forcibly detained another person.
The victim was able to call police after the suspect left, at which time police began searching for the suspect.
According to Nanaimo RCMP, an intensive search took place over the next 18 hours which eventually led officers to a home on Monterey Drive in North Nanaimo.
Because of the alleged violence and the possibility of the suspect possessing a firearm, Nanaimo RCMP called in the Vancouver Island RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT) to assist in navigating the situation.
By early Sunday afternoon, nearby homes were evacuated and a crisis negotiator was actively engaging with the suspect in an attempt to end the stand off.
Police say that just after 5 p.m. the suspect walked out of the home on his own accord and was arrested without incident.
The suspect, a 39-year-old man, will now be in police custody until February 11th on the charge of uttering threats.
“We would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the nearby residents,” said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
“Their patience and understanding of the situation made the job of the attending officers that much easier.”
The investigation continues and other charges could be laid.
