A man has been charged in connection with what sounds like a terrifying ordeal involving a chainsaw in downtown Vancouver.
According to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), the incident unfolded on the evening of Wednesday, July 8, at around 7 p.m.
VPD said that the incident happened near Davie and Denman streets when a man started yelling obscenities near a coffee shop patio. He then allegedly turned on an electric chainsaw and began walking toward people.
Thankfully, VPD said no one was injured as downtown Vancouver bystanders ran away from the man wielding the chainsaw.
The suspect was arrested at Beach Avenue and Burnaby Street. VPD said he was arrested within three minutes of receiving the 911 call.
VPD has also named the suspect as 67-year-old David Meadows, who has been charged with one count of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and Crown Counsel has approved the charge.
While VPD has yet to share any additional information, a post on X appears to suggest they recovered some additional items, including a knife.
#VPDNews: Crown Counsel has approved a charge after Vancouver Police arrested a man who allegedly wielded a chainsaw at people downtown.
The incident happened near Davie and Denman streets last night at approximately 7:00 p.m. The man was yelling obscenities near a coffee shop… pic.twitter.com/Ji1sNwVrQe
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) July 9, 2026