Officer surrenders in police standoff

(Update)
A tense two-hour standoff between police and one of their own ended peacefully tonight. It started in Peel region but ended in Hamilton at Highway 5 and Highway 8.

An off-duty Peel police officer gave himself up just before 5:30 today. He exited a silver Mazda with a phone in one hand and then put his hands up.

Police searched him thoroughly before taking him away.

There were reports he was armed with a gun and had threatened to kill himself but that has not been confirmed.

Peel police told CHCH News that they had received a call from an individual who said they were concerned for the officers well being.

Police located the officers vehicle on Highway 407 and followed it to a gas station at Highway 6 and Highway 8 where there was a two-hour standoff.

Peel regional police and Hamilton police were on the scene. The Peel police helicopter flew overhead while the tactical team covered the ground. Sources say at least three crisis negotiators were brought in to talk to the officer in crisis.

According to police the officer was not injured but was taken to hospital for an assessment.

Constable Fiona Thiverge, Peel Regional Police: “Peel Regional Police responded to an assistance call regarding one of our officers. The vehicle that he was in was followed to this location. Negotiations were set up. The officer was in crisis. We are glad to report that at this point that it was resolved without incident and that the officer is getting the assistance he requires.”

His name has not been released.

This incident follows the suicide of Toronto police Sergeant Richard Rogers three weeks ago. And veteran Hamilton officer Staff Sgt. Ian Matthews shot himself on December 17th at police headquarters.

Police haven’t released any details on what caused the officers crisis or if it was work related. They continue to investigate. No charges have been laid at this time.