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Heavy Chilliwack RCMP presence on Charles Street Friday after ‘disturbing’ phone call

Man who made threats to harm self and others eventually taken into custody unharmed
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RCMP Emergency Response Team members on Charles Street in Chilliwack on Jan. 15, 2021 after an undisclosed threat was made by a male. The matter was resolved peacefully. (Darcy Loewen photo)

The area of First Avenue and Charles Street in Chilliwack was the scene of heavy RCMP presence on Friday (Jan. 15).

Police received a “disturbing” phone call around 8:30 a.m. about a man “expressing suicidal thoughts… and harming other people,” said RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mike Rail several hours later.

The RCMP Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team was called to the 9100-block of Charles Street where the man was eventually apprehended safely and unharmed.

RCMP had the area of First Avenue and Charles Street blocked off for hours on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 after getting reports of a man who had thoughts of harming himself and others. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)
RCMP had the area of First Avenue and Charles Street blocked off for hours on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 after getting reports of a man who had thoughts of harming himself and others. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)

The area was cordoned off for hours and at least one apartment building was evacuated for safety reasons, Rail added.

“It’s everyone’s safety that’s paramount,” Rail said.

The situation ended after 3 p.m.

RELATED: Large police presence blocks Spadina Avenue in Chilliwack Saturday afternoon

The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC has a number of online and telephone distress services that are important to share with vulnerable people.

• There is 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433), a B.C.-wide line.

• The B.C.-wide mental health support line is 310-6789, and the seniors’ distress line is 604-872-1234.

• Online for youth visit www.youthinbc.com or for adults www.crisiscentrechat.ca.

(ERCMP Emergency Response Team members on Charles Street in Chilliwack on Jan. 15, 2021 after an undisclosed threat was made by a male. The matter was resolved peacefully. (Eric Buermeyer photo)
(ERCMP Emergency Response Team members on Charles Street in Chilliwack on Jan. 15, 2021 after an undisclosed threat was made by a male. The matter was resolved peacefully. (Eric Buermeyer photo)


 

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Email: jenna.hauck@theprogress.com
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Jenna Hauck

About the Author: Jenna Hauck

I started my career at The Chilliwack Progress in 2000 as a photojournalist.
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