UPDATE: Police say the situation has now been resolved as of around 12 p.m. on Friday and no weapon was found at the residence.
One person has been apprehended under the Mental Health Act and taken to hospital for assessment. Residents have been restored to their homes and all traffic lanes on Vernon Ave are now open.
Earlier: There is a major police presence at an apartment building in the 800-block of Vernon Ave as Saanich Police engage in a standoff.
The situation, which began at around 7 a.m., is being described as a “weapons incident” by Saanich Police. The apartment building has reportedly been locked down.
Sources say a man has barricaded himself inside one of the apartments after pulling the fire alarm and may have a weapon, however no official reason for the heavy presence has been given by police.
Emergency Response Teams are also on site. The incident is located next to the Saanich Police department building.
@SaanichPolice are responding to a call in the 800 block of Vernon Ave which may be affecting traffic & access to the bus stop. Please slow down & move over. #yyjtraffic
— Saanich Police (@SaanichPolice) February 22, 2019
Police are on-scene of a weapons incident at an apartment building in the 800 block of Vernon Ave. Until we have resolved this incident, we are asking people to avoid this area. #yyj #yyjtraffic
— Saanich Police (@SaanichPolice) February 22, 2019