By Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter) with files from LPS

Lethbridge Police Charge Armed Man Responsible for Whoop-Up Drive Incident

Aug 18, 2016 | 1:55 PM

LETHRBIDGE:   The 20-year-old man who was arrested Thursday morning after an armed incident on Whoop-Up Drive has been charged. 

The charges include possession of a dangerous weapon, careless use and storage of a firearm, and dangerous driving.  Lethbridge Police confirm a psychiatric assessment was also ordered.

Police responded to a 911 call from a suicidal man, who reported he had a firearm and wanted to engage police. However, the man fled when police attended his location. The man drove through the city at speeds exceeding 100 km/h.

The vehicle was eventually disabled in the eastbound lanes of Whoop Up Drive and traffic in both directions was closed shortly after 5:00-am.

Members of the Tactical Team and Explosive Disposal Unit were called out as a safety precaution. Given the confirmed presence of a rifle and the significant risk of harm to police and the public, LPS requested the assistance of the Medicine Hat Police Service Armoured Rescue Vehicle, which was staged along Whoop-Up Drive.

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An officer on scene and a crisis negotiator were in constant contact with the armed man, who remained inside his vehicle for several hours. Around 5:51 a.m., he surrendered to police.

A loaded SKS rifle along with five full clips and one partial clip of steel core ammunition (54 rounds total), were seized from the vehicle.

Whoop-Up Drive was re-opened to traffic in both directions just before 7 a.m. 

“This was an extremely dangerous situation for everyone involved,” said Chief Rob Davis. “We relied on a number of resources and took every precaution possible to ensure the safety of the public, the safety of our officers and ultimately the subject who was safely taken into custody.”

The man’s name has not been released.