A woman has been taken to hospital after police received several complaints about her irrational, allegedly threatening and potentially dangerous behaviour downtown.

On April 22 at 1:59 p.m, the Kelowna RCMP received multiple complaints from the public with concerns for a woman in the downtown core. Initial information provided to police was that the woman was acting highly irrational, she was seen running all over the roads, crying and holding needles in her hands.

“Several members of the general public followed the woman as she went back and forth along Bernard Avenue between Ellis Street and Richter Street,” said Const. Jesse O’Donaghy,  in a press release. “At one point the woman was seen laying on the ground, she then suddenly ran out into traffic, including in front of a transit bus.”

RCMP arrived on scene and attempted to negotiate verbally with the woman.

“Attempts were made to de-escalate the woman’s erratic behaviour. The woman’s threatening behaviour posed a danger to herself and the public, as she was still in possession of multiple needles,” said O’Donaghy.  ” To ensure public and police safety, officers utilized a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) to apprehend the woman under the Mental Health Act.”

Police also required the assistance of Emergency Health Services, who were already at the scene, she was then transported to hospital for a full assessment.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to police is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.