One man was taken into custody after a pharmacy in downtown Victoria triggered their hold-up alarm. He has since been released after further investigation revealed it was a mental health crisis and an addiction issue.
It was not a robbery as it first appeared, police say.
The entire take-down was captured by a local photographer Tuesday afternoon. The photos show heavily armed police and a canine unit surrounding the business.
Police received a hold-up alarm notification around 4:30 p.m. from a pharmacy located in the 800-block of View Street.
When 911 dispatchers called the business there were indications that a man was in the store and an attempted robbery may be taking place. Officers quickly surrounded the business and dispatchers stayed on the line with staff.
“In speaking with the man and staff our investigators learned that what had occurred did not appear to be a criminal event, but instead the result of a mental health crisis and an addiction issue,” Communications Coordinator Bowen Osoko said in a release statement.
Traffic in the area was stopped out of an abundance of caution. Staff then fled the business and the man was taken into custody without further incident.
He was transported to hospital for treatment and then was given a ride home by patrol officers. There were no reports of any injuries.
