The Abbotsford Police Department has provided an update on the mental health incident that occurred yesterday Sunday at Edgeview Place.
According to an update posted on the APD’s Facebook page, officers were called to assist an Abbotsford mental health team and the family of a 27-year-old man who was experiencing a mental health crisis. The family residing in the house had already left when the officers arrived.
Officers arrived to find the front door open, but those on the scene were certain that the young man was still in the house.
Numerous attempts were made by patrol officers and then a crisis negotiator to initiate contact with the man by calling out to him and using a loud-hailer, which was unsuccessful. Two “flash bangs” were used – one at the front and one at the rear of the house – to try to get the man’s attention. The concern was that he was in a deep sleep or may have harmed himself.
Police resources at the scene included patrol officers, a crisis negotiation team member and one on-duty member of the Emergency Response Team. The armoured rescue vehicle was also brought to the scene to ensure public, officer and subject safety due to the potential of him being armed with an improvised weapon, police said.
After two hours, the man came out of the home, but he turned to go back in when he saw the officers. At that time, an Arwen round (non-lethal) was fired, which grazed his leg, police said.
The man then walked with the officers who were taking him into custody, and he was transported to hospital for medical assistance.
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