There was a heavy police presence – including members of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) – at a home on the 27500-block of 31A Avenue in Aldergrove last week after a man barricaded himself inside, and family became concerned about his well-being.
Neighbours reported nine Langley RCMP cruisers, numerous officers, Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Services members and canines, and the ERT unit arriving on the scene armed in tactical gear and rifles.
The call came in at about 12:30 p.m. on June 30, confirmed Langley RCMP Sgt. Rebecca Parslow.
The first police cruiser arrived on scene to check the well-being of a man inside of the home by 1 p.m., a neighbour recounted.
As the situation unfolded, the man barricaded himself inside of the house and police subsequently cordoned off the road.
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“They seem[ed] to be making a plan to surround the area and house. They even brought a fire extinguisher,” said a neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous.
In response, “we coordinated with a mental health nurse, social worker, and doctor,” Parslow explained, indicating the man had mental illness.
“After four hours [RCMP were] able to safely take him into custody, and transfer him to the hospital,” Parslow said, where he would be able to receive mental health assistance.
For individuals who are or know of someone who is having thoughts of suicide are asked to contact the Crisis Line Association of BC at 1-800-784-2433.
Individuals who would like emotional support or information and resources specific to mental health can call 310-Mental Health (310-6789).