A man was arrested Friday morning on a busy Vancouver street after police received reports of the suspect holding what appeared to be a rifle.
Officers were called to Main Street and East 1st Avenue at around 9:30 a.m., confirmed Const. Tania Visintin.
“This wasn’t an active shooter,” Visintin said. “After gathering more police resources, officers deployed a ‘flash bang,’ which is a distraction technique.”
Witnesses near the scene saw the dramatic takedown, which involved more than a dozen officers.
Driving down Main Street just now at 2nd Ave., and a bit shocked to see a grenade explode on the sidewalk and 10 cops take some guy down. Pretty crazy. Tons of units in the area, McDonald’s drive-thru closed off.
— Richard Wittstock (@rwittstock) July 16, 2021
Passerby Richard Wittstock said he was “shocked” to see the sidewalk explosion and a team of police apprehend the suspect.
No one was harmed prior to or during the arrest, said Visintin.
As it turns out, authorities determined the suspect had been carrying an airsoft rifle, a replica firearm.
Police are continuing to investigate.
@sarahgrowch
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