A man who was reported to be carrying a gun while he walked through a residential neighbourhood on Friday night could be facing a weapons charge.
Abbotsford Police Const. Ian MacDonald said reports came in at about 7:30 p.m. that a distraught man with a rifle was walking in the 30900 block of Southern Drive, toward the grounds of Blue Jay Elementary.
Police arrived on the scene, blocked off the area, alerted residents and contained the man in the alcove of the school.
The Air One police helicopter, the RCMP K9 unit, and the Municipal Integrated Emergency Response Team in their armoured rescue vehicle were also deployed.
The 31-year-old man was arrested at about 9 p.m., and it was determined that he was carrying a pellet gun. MacDonald said the man has previous mental health-related issues.
He was taken to hospital for mental-health treatment. On the way there and when he arrived, the man caused further difficulties, MacDonald said. He could also be facing charges of assault and uttering threats.