Kimberley RCMP have taken a subject into custody after a 15-hour standoff in Kimberley that began last night.

The incident began on Saturday night (Sept. 19) at 6 p.m. when neighbours reported a distraught male wielding two large axes and acting in an aggressive manner. Safety concerns prompted the call to police. The subject also had two knives on his belt.

Upon police arrival the subject barricaded himself in his residence. Police initiated contact with the subject through an open window. When the man would not safely exit the house the Emergency Response Team (ERT) was brought in.

Two police negotiators talked to the man all night; over 14 hours. In the early morning the subject got onto the roof of the building and began ripping parts of the roof off and throwing them at police.

At approximately 9 a.m. the subject jumped from the roof and was successfully taken into custody. No injuries were sustained. He was transported to East Kootenay Regional Hospital for evaluation.

“The ultimate goal is to ensure public safety and minimize risk to the community including the subject. Police were able to achieve this though careful planning, continued evaluation and patience,” reported Cpl. Chris Newel, Kimberley RCMP Detachment Commander.

Photos courtesy Amber Kostuik and Gord Kostuik

Kimberley RCMP

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