Police Negotiate with Man in Crisis on Market Street South

Mar 24, 2015 The Brantford Police Service initially received information that a distraught man was in possession of a gun and may harm himself.

The BPS observed the man sitting in a vehicle on a parking lot at 50 Market Street South with a female passenger, shortly after 8:00 p.m. Officers engaged in crisis negotiations with the man trying to keep him calm and communications flowing.

Community Patrol Officers cordoned off the area to ensure that members of the public would not be at risk. Crisis negotiations continued for approximately two hours where police continued communications in a calm and patient manner.

Shortly after 10:00 p.m. the woman passenger who is known to the man had exited the vehicle on her own uninjured, and remained with Officers nearby. The accused also exited the vehicle while holding a handgun in his hand. Crisis negotiations continued with a goal of a peaceful resolution. The male re-entered the vehicle and fled away from the scene.

Officers pursued the vehicle which failed to stop and entered onto the 403 Highway eastbound towards Hamilton. BPS continued to pursue the vehicle, notifying OPP and Hamilton Police Services of the situation. The vehicle was observed exiting the off ramp at Highway 52 (Copetown) at a reduced speed. At this time an Officer with the Brantford Police Service conducted an intentional direct contact with the suspect vehicle while the speeds were reduced and no other vehicular traffic was on the ramp. The contact was effective and the suspect vehicle spun 180 degrees, stopped and was subsequently blocked in by Brantford Police vehicles ensuring the accused could not drive away.

The accused was subsequently arrested and taken into custody. A replica firearm was located in the vehicle.

No one was injured.

No businesses in the area were involved directly or indirectly with this incident. EMS was in the area on standby because of the potential risk this event presented.

Before life stressors escalate to the point of a breakdown, crisis or threats of harm, the Brantford Police Service encourages men and women who are experiencing difficulties to take advantage of the services offered free in our community.

Please, never hesitate to telephone the Brantford Police Service for assistance.

The Brantford Police Service is committed to the protection of our citizens in partnership with our community.

For our Community Partners link please view

http://www.brantfordpolice.ca/community-partners

For information about Victim Services of Brant please view

http://www.brantfordpolice.ca/victim-services-brant

Public Safety in Partnership with our Community””

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