Vancouver police were forced to tackle a man who was allegedly waving a sword near Burrard and Georgia streets Monday afternoon after a Taser and non-lethal anti-riot gun failed to subdue him.
The man was first seen at around 1:30 p.m. near the Metrotown SkyTrain Station, where he was allegedly acting irrationally and repeatedly unsheathing a sword.
Const. Lindsey Houghton said he eventually turned up in downtown Vancouver at the Burrard SkyTrain Station, but was quickly intercepted by Transit Police.
He made his way to Georgia Street, Houghton said, refusing to comply with commands to drop his sword or cooperate with negotiators.
Witness Christina Jansen said he appeared determined, "like he had something to say."
Emergency Response Team members eventually fired multiple rubber bullet rounds from an anti-riot gun, but were unable to subdue him.
"The man continued to wave the sword. Officers then deployed the Taser, which was also ineffective," Houghton said in a release.
He then ran across Burrard towards Melville Street, where officers tackled him, seized his sword and took him into custody. He is not believed to be injured, but will be examined by ambulance attendants.
No bystander or police injuries have been reported.
Houghton said the man faces possible weapons-related charges and police will be recommending he undergo a psychological examination.
