Image: Contributed / Chilliwack RCMP block Berkeley Avenue during a police incident Monday night.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Police incident

Update: Distraught person with weapon taken into custody

Dec 17, 2024 | 9:35 AM

UPDATE 2:50 P.M., TUESDAY: Chilliwack RCMP says police were dispatched at approximately 6 p.m. Monday night for the report of a distraught person with a weapon in the area of Berkeley Avenue and Young Road, resulting in a prolonged standoff. According to a statement, surrounding homes in the area were placed on lockdown, and the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team was called in to assist. Police say the individual was taken into custody at roughly 9 p.m., and the uninjured suspect was transported to hospital for an assessment.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety of everyone involved, and we are grateful this situation was resolved peacefully,” said Inspector Jeff Bowerman, spokesperson for the Chilliwack RCMP.

Chilliwack RCMP has expressed thanks to the community for their patience and understanding during this incident.

Original story below from 9:35 a.m. Tuesday morning: 

CHILLIWACK — A heavy police presence filled a neighbourhood west of Young Road Monday night in Chilliwack, resulting in the detention or arrest of one man.

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According to a Chilliwack resident who witnessed some of the police activities, at least 10 police units, possibly more, were deployed to the 45700 block of Berkeley Avenue some time after 6 p.m. Monday night. Berkeley Avenue is located west of Young Road, just south of Hope Slough and southwest of Minter Country Garden.

Image: Google Maps / Berkeley Avenue in Chilliwack.

RCMP blocked the road during the incident. B.C. Ambulance Service and Chilliwack Fire Department personnel also attended.

One neighbour said a man had barricaded himself in a property on Berkeley Avenue after being allegedly chased by police. Flash bangs were utilized by police as well as a drone, one witness said. Police reportedly told the suspect to get out of the RV in which he was hiding.

Image: Contributed / Police vehicles surround a Chilliwack home during an incident Monday night.

These witness descriptions have not been authenticated or verified by Chilliwack RCMP personnel.

A male suspect was taken into custody at approximately 9:09 p.m., one witness said, citing video that was sent to Fraser Valley Today. Paramedics were observed holding a towel while the suspect changed some of his clothes in the aftermath of the police incident.

Some police began leaving the area at about 9:15 p.m. once the man was in custody.

Fraser Valley Today has contacted the Chilliwack RCMP detachment for comment on Monday night’s incident.