The RCMP Emergency Response Team was called out on Sunday night after an assault suspect barricaded himself in a Port Alberni residence.
On Sunday, Dec. 2, just before 7 p.m., Port Alberni RCMP responded to a report of a man calling for help in the 3600 block of Fifth Ave.
According to RCMP, the man had knocked on a door, calling out for help as he was pulled away and assaulted by another man. A witness called out that they had called the police, and the assailant fled the area. The victim also left the area prior to police arrival. Police were able to obtain video surveillance, through which they police were able to identify the victim and the offender involved.
Later that night, police located the suspect in a residence in the 3500 block of 11th Avenue. Police attempted to arrest the suspect, but he had barricaded himself in a room in the residence. The RCMP Emergency Response Team was deployed and, after a six hour stand off, the suspect was taken into custody without incident.
“Both men are known to each other and to police,” explained Port Alberni RCMP Cpl. Amelia Hayden. “This incident appears to be a result of a previous conflict between these two men.”
A 39-year-old Port Alberni resident is now in custody pending a court appearance for charges of assault, forcible confinement and four other related charges. He was also arrested on two outstanding warrants.
Anyone who may have witnessed the assault is asked to contact the Port Alberni RCMP at 250-723-2424.
