Update: 6:45 p.m.
Sunshine Coast RCMP say an incident on Wharf Avenue that saw the evacuation of several residences and a partial street closure Friday ended peacefully.
The police initially responded to a report of a man expressing suicidal ideation at 7:35 a.m. at the building at 5682 Wharf Avenue, said an RCMP press release. "The male barricaded himself inside his apartment, refused to cooperate, and made further threats to harm himself and police."
"Due to the risk to officer safety and the mental state of the man, Crisis Negotiators were contacted and the Integrated Response Team sent two teams from the lower mainland," said the release. One team arrived by helicopter, the other by ferry. Neighbouring residences were evacuated and Wharf Street partially closed. The man was safely removed after several hours and brought to hospital.
"We are grateful for the assistance of our community partners including neighbours, the Sechelt Fire Department, and Emergency Health Services who stood by to ensure the safety of everyone involved", said Staff Sergeant Jennifer Prunty in the release.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, help is available through the Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988. The 24 hour crisis line for Howe Sound and the Sunshine Coast is 1-866-661-3311. One can also visit crisiscentrechat.ca.
Update: 3:15 p.m.
Wharf Avenue has fully reopened.
Original story
The northbound lane of Wharf Avenue in Sechelt has been closed in the vicinity of 5676 Wharf Avenue because of a police incident. Vehicles are being detoured around the closure.
The road was closed at about 10:15 a.m.
Police and other first responders are on scene at the mixed business-residential area building. The RCMP's Emergency Response Team is on scene.
More to come...
