York Regional Police say an armed suspect has been taken into custody following an hours-long standoff at a residence after shots were fired at an officer in Richmond Hill on Friday.
Police said the incident began around 10:30 a.m. near Bayview Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive when an officer attempted a traffic stop.
There was then an exchange of gunshots between an armed suspect and police, officials said.
Const. Laura Nicolle said the incident occurred near a gas station and that the suspect fled the area in a vehicle.
“The suspect vehicle went to a house not too far from here and, at this stage, what we know is the suspect is armed and inside the home,” Nicolle told reporters from the scene of the shooting incident Friday afternoon.
“Our officers have that location surrounded.”
Nearby homes were also evacuated.
Nicolle said the suspect was the only person in the vehicle and no one else was believed to be inside the house.
Just after 10:10 p.m., police put out a message on Twitter encouraging nearby neighbours “to stay in residences and take shelter in your basements or a safe zone.”
Less than 15 minutes later, officers said a person was taken into custody and that it was safe for residents to leave where they were sheltered.
But before the updates on Twitter, Global News saw tactical officers fire gas canisters into the home. Officers could be seen taking cover as what sounded like gunshots were discharged.
Images from the scene showed a large police presence, including heavily armed officers and armoured vehicles, outside of a home.
Police did not say if it was the suspect’s home, but noted there were no signs of forced entry.
No one was injured in both the initial incident and subsequent standoff.
On Saturday, police said 34-year-old Anoshirvan Shirizadeh of Richmond Hill faces over 10 charges, including attempted murder, unauthorized possession of a firearm, firearm possession contrary to a probation order, and assault with intent to resist.
The Special Investigations Unit, Ontario’s police watchdog, has also launched a review of the incident.
— With files from Nick Westoll and Brittany Rosen
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