Nelson Police were able to convince a man holding a knife against his neck inside a downtown eatery to surrender peacefully.
The incident, which occurred inside Wait’s News, 499 Baker Street, ended without the man or anyone else being injured, said Sgt. Nate Holt of NPD.
Police say the drama began at about 1:15 p.m. on January 18 when members responded to a report of a man causing a disturbance at a local health service provider. Staff had called police due to his aggressive and unsafe behavior.
Sgt. Holt said when Nelson police found the man nearby a short time later he was told not to return to the health service provider.
He responded by yelling at Nelson police and members of the public and “displaying behaviour that made him a concern for the public and his own safety,” said Holt, adding the man ignored police instructions and tried to return to the same service provider.
Police attempted to arrest the man but he fled on foot. A short time later he entered Waits News where he forced his way past staff and grabbed a large knife from the serving area.
“He pointed the knife at police and made threats to kill the police before turning the knife on himself, pressing it hard against his neck.” said Sgt. Holt.
“The man continued to make demands for police to shoot him while police engaged in de-escalating dialogue as police had their firearms and Tasers drawn.” The exchange continued between members and the man until he surrendered the knife and allowed police to take him into custody.
“Remarkably, no injuries were sustained by the male, members of the public or responding members,” said Holt.
The man, who is known to police, was charged with a number of criminal offences and is awaiting an appearance in court.