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Man who climbed tree to escape police charged by Edmonton police

A man was arrested in west Edmonton after he allegedly assaulted an officer and then climbed a tree to escape police on Anthony Henday Drive near the 87th Avenue overpass. November 25, 2015. Global News

EDMONTON — What goes up must come down — including those who climb a tree to escape police. That’s exactly what happened Wednesday night in the west end.

Edmonton police said an officer responded to a call about a man walking erratically on the shoulder of the Anthony Henday, south of 87 Avenue at about 9:50 p.m.

When the police car approached the man and the officer tried to talk to him, he sprayed the officer with what is believed to be bear spray. “A round was subsequently discharged by police,” an EPS release said.

There was a large police presence in the area and the police chopper could be seen circling a wooded area nearby.

Police said the man ran away in a south direction and the Canine Unit, Tactical Unit and Air 1 found him at approximately 10:30 p.m. He had climbed about 30 feet up a tree.

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After four hours of negotiations, the man surrendered to police. In addition to bear spray, officers also found a replica gun in his possession. He was not injured.

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Frederick Andrews, 27, is charged with assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, possessing of a weapon and breaching recognizance. Andrews also had 14 outstanding warrants for aggravated assault, assault, possession of a weapon, and several breaches.

The EPS officer sustained non-life threatening injuries, and was not taken to hospital.

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