At approximately 7:00am on February 22, 2019, Saanich Police attended to a report of a person with a weapon inside an apartment building in the 800 block of Vernon Avenue. The call orginated after someone heard a man in the hallway talking about someone having a firearm, which prompted calls to 9-1-1 and the fire alarm being pulled.
Due to the nature of the call and the need to ensure public safety, specialized police resources were called in to assist including the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team and K9 team, along with assistance from the Provincial Ambulance Service and Saanich Fire. The building was locked down while officers conducted an extensive search, with residents either directed to leave or shelter in place.
Information led officers to focus on one particular apartment however after a careful entry and search of it, no one and nothing of concern was found.
“We take all calls where someone’s safety may be at risk very seriously and will use whatever resources we have available to determine what has happened and to bring things to a safe conclusion” said Sgt. Julie Fast, Saanich Police Public Information Officer.
We are now satisfied that there was no one with a weapon of any kind in or around this apartment building. One man has been apprehended under the Mental Health Act and taken to hospital for assessment.
Residents have returned to their homes and all lanes on Vernon Avenue are once again open.
Sgt. Julie Fast #5
19-4460