The Associated Press
ST. JOHN’S, Newfoundland, Canada (CP) -- The emergency department of a St. John’s hospital was shut down for two hours Monday night before a knife-wielding man who barricaded himself inside surrendered to police.
Close to a dozen people stood outside in the rain and watched as members of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary used yellow tape to block both entries to the unit at St. Clare’s hospital.
Staff Sgt. June Layden said at around suppertime, an 18-year-old woman entered the emergency department with severe bruising, head injuries and other injuries which she allegedly sustained as a result of an assault at a home in the downtown area of St. John’s.
Police began investigating, and went to the home to look for a 20-year-old man.
Shortly after arriving at the home and discovering he wasn’t there, police received a call from St. Clare’s saying a man had arrived there and was causing a disturbance. Police allege it was the same man.
“At the time when he came in, he was armed with a knife,” Layden said. “He approached a couple of the staff members that were on duty in a threatening manner. He also threatened to do harm to himself.”
Layden said the emergency room is equipped with a speed-dial system to the police department, enabling officers to be on the scene in less than one minute.
When the officers arrived, the emergency unit was evacuated and the crisis negotiation team was called in.
Shortly after, the tactical unit and service dog unit were called in, but before they arrived, crisis negotiators were able to convince the man to lay down his knife. He was then taken into custody on the assault complaint. (St. John’s Telegram)