Saskatoon police arrest man with imitation firearms following standoff

The Saskatoon Police Service headquarters can be seen in this file photo.

A 24-year-old man is in custody following a standoff at a business on Preston Avenue on Thursday morning.

Officers were called to the business in the 1700 block of Preston Avenue North around 11 a.m. with reports that a man entered the business with a firearm, according to a Saskatoon Police Service news release.

“Staff of the business were directed to exit through the back door as officers instructed surrounding businesses to shelter in place,” police said.

The tactical unit arrived with an armoured vehicle and officers were able to call the suspect out of the business to make an arrest. Police say they found three imitation firearms and a can of bear spray in his possession.

The 24-year-old suspect has been charged with possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, unauthorized carrying of a concealed weapon and failure to comply with court-imposed conditions.