The Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) says officers responded to a “weapons call” at Abbotsford Regional Hospital on Monday afternoon and put the hospital temporarily under lockdown.
The lockdown was lifted as of 3:15 p.m., and officers say they arrested a man they believe to be connected to the incident.
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Police say that people reported a man allegedly be in possession of a firearm inside the hospital.
“All available on-duty AbbyPD officers immediately attended, including members of the Lower Mainland District Integrated Police Dog Service. In total, more than 30 officers responded to the call.” AbbyPD said in a written statement.
“Upon arrival, officers entered the hospital and began an active search, conducting room-to-room and floor-by-floor clearing. During this time, the hospital was placed under lockdown.”
After officers were not able to locate the suspect at the hospital, they started tracking the man throughout Abbotsford.
Shortly before 2:50 p.m., the AbbyPD located and arrested the suspect in the area of Simon Avenue and Cruickshank Street and lifted the lockdown on the hospital.
Police had initially put the building into lockdown sometime after 2 p.m.
“AbbyPD can confirm that no one was injured during this incident and that no
shots were fired, contrary to reports circulating on social media,” police added.
The hospital has since resumed its operation.
On social media, people inside the hospital reported that when the lockdown was imposed, staff, patients, and guests were being advised to go to a secure location and shelter in place.
People also reported seeing armed police officers checking rooms inside the building.
The AbbyPD is now investigating the incident and is asking witnesses to contact police at 604-859-5225.
