Two people were arrested Wednesday afternoon and are facing serious charges stemming from a lengthy standoff with police.
According to Saanich Police, two people were held being held hostage at a home in the 300-block of Vincent Avenue.
The incident began around 1 p.m. when police received information that there was a person being held against their will.
“There were believed to be multiple people inside the home, and at least two of them were reported to be in possession of loaded firearms,” Saanich Police said in a media release.
Responding officers evacuated neighbouring homes and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team were called to the scene.
We are in the 300 block of Vincent Ave with the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team for a weapons incident that has been contained to a single home. Neighbouring homes are in the process of being notified. We are taking all precautions to resolve this situation safely. pic.twitter.com/jtcAOehXOK
— Saanich Police (@SaanichPolice) March 2, 2022
Two suspects surrendered to police just before 8 p.m. after a series of tactics used by the GVRET, including negotiations with the suspects.
Police located two victims who were being held against their will inside the home but were not physically injured and were taken safely into police custody.
Cst. Markus Anastasiades of Saanich Police said firearms were located inside the home, one of which was an unregistered, loaded, 9mm pistol.
The men arrested, ages 31 and 50, are well-known to police and are facing several charges related to weapons possession, forcible confinement, and breaching court orders.
“One of the men had 8 outstanding warrants for violent offences, and was in possession of a loaded firearm, contrary to his court conditions,” Anastasiades said.
“We are very satisfied to have made the arrest of both men last, who were clearly a danger to the public, and are now facing very serious criminal charges.”
