ON Monday, April 1 at 2:25 p.m., Chilliwack RCMP received a complaint of a theft from a local business in the Sardis area. Frontline members attended the complaint and the preliminary investigation lead them to a residence in the 45000-block of Watson Road.

Police engaged with the lone male occupant of the residence who made threats to harm police and damage local infrastructure. The assistance of the Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team was required to safely take the male into custody.

During the investigation it was learned that there may have been a suspicious substance inside the residence that could pose a safety risk to the public. The residence was secured by police and through a risk assessment, it was determined that an evacuation of the neighbourhood was not required.

On April 2, with the assistance of the RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit, a search of the residence was completed and it was determined that the suspicious substance did not pose a risk to public safety.

The male, identified as Ian Madden, was held in custody pending a bail hearing and has been charged with uttering threats, and theft under $5,000.

“This is an example of Chilliwack RCMP frontline members’ unwavering commitment to ensuring ongoing safety in our community. They acted quickly to secure a potential threat and mitigate any risk to the public,” said Cpl. Carmen Kiener, media spokesperson for Chilliwack RCMP.