Police confirm person with gun on King Street, possible hostage situation

Update: Toronto police have said that the area is now safe, and all roads are open, calling the situation a “false alarm.”

UPDATE:False alarm, the area is safe and all roads are now open. Thanks to everyone for their patience while we invest’d this serious matter

— Toronto Police OPS (@TPSOperations) October 26, 2017

Earlier: Toronto police have confirmed a man with a gun is in a building near King Street West and Charlotte Street.

Emergency Task Force are in the area, and police have indicated that the gun man may  have forced someone into the building.

PERSON WITH A GUN:
King St + Charlotte St
-ETF now trying to de-escalate
-Unknown if anyone in bldg
-Roads closed
-Please have patience
^dh

— Toronto Police OPS (@TPSOperations) October 26, 2017

A portion of King Street West is closed following the police incident, which began earlier on Thursday afternoon.

After responding to the scene, police closed King Street from Blue Jays Way to Spadina Avenue. The streets remain closed at this time.

Person w a Gun: Reports…person w a gun seen inside of a business in the area. Unconfirmed. Several units including ETF OS. #GO1939001^adc

— Toronto Police OPS (@TPSOperations) October 26, 2017

Multiple witnesses have shared photos from the area, showing heavy police presence outside a dispensary.

Something serious is happening outside the dispensary at King and Blue Jays Way. All taped off and ICE is here. pic.twitter.com/G2HmmAMGWC

— Risa Rosenfield (@risarose) October 26, 2017

View from inside @ShopprsDrugMart on King and Peter. Shoppers ordered to stay away from the windows @CP24 #toronto pic.twitter.com/qIQSiNJ1nM

— Rebecca Field Jager (@BecJager) October 26, 2017

Eastbound Streetcars turning back at Bathurst. Apperently some dude at King and Peter Street has a gun… Never a dull moment. #Toronto pic.twitter.com/LHny9wWjm6

— Ryan Endoh (@RyanEndoh) October 26, 2017

King street West on Toronto as there was a report of someone walking around inside a building with a gun. Police on scene area shut down.

— Gwynne Johnston (@Activeman1701A) October 26, 2017