AT approximately 2:04 p.m. on Monday, Abbotsford Police patrol officers responded to a report of a man believed to be in possession of a firearm inside Abbotsford Regional Hospital.

All available on-duty officers immediately attended, including members of the Lower Mainland District Integrated Police Dog Service. In total, more than 30 officers responded to the call.

Officers entered the hospital and began an active search, conducting room-to-room and floor-by-floor clearing. During this time, the hospital was placed under lockdown.

With the assistance of witnesses and hospital surveillance footage, officers were quickly able to identify a suspect. Investigators determined that the individual had left the hospital.

Officers immediately began tracking the suspect’s movements throughout the city and located him at approximately 2:49 p.m. in the area of Simon Avenue and Cruickshank Street, where he was arrested without incident.

The lockdown at Abbotsford Regional Hospital was lifted at approximately 3:15 p.m., and the facility has since returned to normal operations after police confirmed the area
was safe.

Abbotsford Police say they can confirm that no one was injured during this incident and that no shots were fired, contrary to reports circulating on social media.

The Abbotsford Police expressed their appreciation to hospital staff for their professionalism and dedication in keeping patients and visitors safe during the incident. They also thanked the public for their patience and cooperation as officers worked to resolve the situation safely.

Police say the investigation remains in its early stages as investigators work to determine the circumstances leading up to Monday’s events. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225.