A morning call for service that began as an “assist citizen” event turned into a weapons offence that prompted the closure of the 4700 block of 4th Avenue for much of the day.
At about 7:48 a.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2020, police were dispatched to an apartment residence in the 4700 block of 4th Avenue. Several units responded when information was received saying a young female had been held at the apartment against her will, but had managed to escape out the back door. As police were arriving, they were told a male acquaintance of the victim was inside the apartment with a firearm and was threatening to harm himself and police. As police officers set up a safety perimeter, the Communications Centre attempted to contact other residents in the area to ask them to stay indoors. A section of 4th Avenue between Royal Street and Lewvan Drive was temporarily closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
At approximately 10:16 a.m., two males emerged from the building and were interviewed by police. As soon as it was learned they had no involvement in the incident, they were allowed to leave. About a half hour later, two females were detained as part of the weapons offence investigation; one of them was placed under arrest for outstanding, unrelated warrants. Police negotiators made phone contact with the male, who was thought to be armed and inside the apartment. Eventually officers determined he had left the location before police arrived. A search warrant was obtained for the apartment. No one was inside but the search by Patrol officers and a Canine team located four replica firearms, a shotgun, various ammunition and a large sword, all of which were seized. The search was completed by approximately 2:00 p.m., so the road closures were lifted and vehicle and pedestrian traffic returned to normal.
Investigation into this matter is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Regina Police Service at 306-777-6500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).