An unmarked police vehicle is blocking Sequoia Place, June 10, 2022.
Image Credit: Levi Landry
June 11, 2022 - 8:24 AM
A police standoff in Kamloops yesterday ended with a man getting arrested under the Mental Health Act and no charges are expected.
RCMP officers attempted to negotiate with the man for hours, according to a press release from the Kamloops RCMP. Eventually police entered the residence and were able to apprehend him under the Mental Health Act.
The incident began around 10:50 a.m., June 10, when police officers went up to check up on a person who was believed to be in emotion distress at residence in the 700-block of Sequoia Place.
While there, officers learned weapons were present and "the situation was deemed high-risk,” according to the press release.
Neighbours were asked to stay inside and the public was asked to stay away from the area.
After the man was arrested he was taken to the hospital.
“No charges are being recommended at this time,” reads the release.
Colleen Bell, the man's mother, said he was having a mental health crisis and possessed a crossbow.
Bell said her son is well-educated, but he often fails to take his medication and his episodes can lead to psychosis.
Earlier this week, she needed police help to deal with her son, but when he wouldn't open the door, officers simply walked away, she said, because "they can't do anything if you won't open the door."
That was the first of a few police responses this week to the West End home, according to the neighbours Bell spoke with.
"He's been watching the Ukraine invasion and it started feeding into his psychosis, and he started buying supplies, you know, for Armageddon," Bell said, explaining how he picked up the crossbow. She isn't sure he even knows how to use it.
While her son keeps falling off his medication, she said the whole situation should warrant a more healthcare-focused response than a law enforcement one.
The area was cleared around 6:30 p.m.
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