LETHBRIDGE – The Lethbridge Police Service Tactical Team and K-9 unit swarmed a house Thursday afternoon to execute a search warrant.
Around 4 p.m., police told the public to stay away from the 900 block of 6 Street South, and traffic was blocked off at 8 Avenue South from 6 Street South to 9 Avenue South.
The tactical team launched tear gas inside the house and removed multiple people from the home. Police were forced to drag one male out of the residence, who was aggressively resisting the arrest.
Police then used a megaphone to repeatedly ask the remaining residents inside to surrender.
“Come out now. You will not be harmed. Come out with your hands up. You’re all under arrest. We need you to co-operate. Come to the front door one at a time. The house is surrounded.”
Several people slowly made their way out of the house and were taken into custody.
More than five hours later, Lethbridge police confirmed the search warrant was finally complete. Sgt. Mark Smallbones said the warrant was for drugs and suspected firearms. He also said the house is not a risk to the public.
The number of suspects taken into custody is unconfirmed but witnesses say at least eight people and one dog were removed from the home.
More to come.