Two men have been arrested following a lengthy standoff Wednesday with Saanich police, after a report that someone was being held against their will in a home in the Gorge-Tillicum area.
The Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team also responded to the call. Firearms were located inside the home, including an unregistered loaded 9-mm pistol.
Police said the two men arrested, ages 31 and 50, are well-known to them. The men are facing a number of charges related to weapons possession, forcible confinement and breaching court orders.
“One of the men had eight outstanding warrants for violent offences and was in possession of a loaded firearm, contrary to his court conditions,” said Const. Markus Anastasiades of Saanich police. “We are very satisfied to have made the arrest of both men, who were clearly a danger to the public and are now facing very serious criminal charges.”
The incident began early Wednesday afternoon when Saanich police received information that a person was being held against their will in a home in the 300-block of Vincent Avenue. Since at least two of the people inside the home were believed to be in possession of loaded firearms, police requested assistance from the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team.
Officers surrounded a single-family house and evacuated neighbouring homes. Hours later, two men surrendered to police just before 8 p.m.
Upon entering, police discovered two victims had been held against their will. They were not physically injured and were taken safely into police custody.
parrais@timescolonist.com
