Updated
Elk Valley RCMP apprehended a man in distress in downtown Fernie on May 8.
Police intercepted a 48-year-old man, after receiving a report that he was en route to the Elk Valley Hospital with a firearm in his possession, threatening to shoot himself.
The hospital tipped police off. Officers were quickly dispatched to find the man. Sgt. Svend Nielsen said police and the Southeast District Containment Team located the man downtown on 2 Ave., where he was apprehended under the Mental Health Act and taken to the hospital for evaluation. Nielsen noted the local man was known to police, although he did surrender willingly.
A subsequent search of the man's residence located no firearms.
Elk Valley RCMP thanks the public for responding positively and quickly to directions provided by officers on scene.
The investigation is ongoing, with file number 2025-1270.
