Lethbridge police arrested a man early Thursday morning during what they called a high-risk incident on Whoop-Up Drive. Police allege the 20-year-old man was “armed with a rifle and nearly five dozen rounds of steel core ammunition.”
Police said the “suicidal male” suspect called 911, told officers he had a gun and “wanted to engage police.” Officers said he fled when they arrived at his location and allege he drove through the city at over 100 km/h. Whoop-Up Drive was closed in both directions for several hours.
“This was an extremely dangerous situation for everyone involved,” Chief Rob Davis said in a release Thursday afternoon. “We relied on a number of resources and took every precaution possible to ensure the safety of the public, the safety of our officers and ultimately the subject who was safely taken into custody.”
The incident involved the tactical team, explosive disposal unit, and the Medicine Hat Police Service Armoured Rescue Vehicle.
A crisis negotiator spoke to the suspect for several hours while he was in his vehicle. The suspect surrendered just before 6 a.m. and Whoop-Up Drive was opened to traffic by 7 a.m.
A loaded SKS rifle and 54 rounds of ammunition were seized from the suspect’s vehicle, police said.
Weapon charges are pending and police will seek a 30-day psychiatric remand. The suspect was undergoing police interviews Thursday afternoon.
With files from Global’s David Boushy