"Prolonged" Downtown Eastside stand-off ends with two men in custody: VPD

Vancouver Police have arrested two men following a “prolonged” stand-off in the Downtown Eastside that began Saturday evening.

In a release, police said the incident began around 7 pm on January 2, when officers were called to a residential building near Princess Avenue and Powell Street for reports of a man with a rifle.

Police allege that at one point after officers arrived, a 32-year-old man came out of one of the building’s suites with a firearm.

A member of the service’s Emergency Response Section fired at the man, and he was subsequently taken to hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

According to the release, a 31-year-old man remained in the same suite for several hours. However, police were able to negotiate with the man, leading to a “safe” end to the incident.

“A call like this is very dynamic and challenging,” said Constable Tania Visintin.

“Responding officers worked to gather the appropriate resources and ensure a safe resolution.”

Police said both men will be facing firearm-related charges. Officers will remain on-site today as they continue their investigation.

The Independent Investigations Office has been informed of the incident and will be investigating.

The civilian-led agency is notified when there has been serious harm or death that was potentially caused by a police officer’s actions.