Man arrested after barricaded incident prompts shelter-in-place in Paris

Paris Independent Staff

Staff Contribution

A 39-year-old man was taken into custody early Dec. 28 following a lengthy barricaded-person incident that prompted a shelter-in-place order and road closures in the town of Paris.

According to Ontario Provincial Police, officers were called to a residence in Paris’ north end at about 6:28 p.m. on Dec. 27 after receiving a report of a health concern involving the homeowner.

Police said officers attended the residence and knocked on the front door several times without receiving a response. Contact was later made by cellphone, during which the homeowner told officers to leave the property.

Shortly afterward, police were advised by the complainant that the man had stated no one should return to the residence because he possessed firearms and was prepared to use them. He also indicated he would not speak further with police or come to the door.

Based on that information, Brant County OPP determined the situation had escalated and classified the individual as a barricaded person.

As a precaution, police implemented public safety measures and issued an advisory through social media asking residents in the immediate area to remain indoors. Roads were closed to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic while officers secured the scene, and OPP specialty emergency response units were deployed.

At 8:38 p.m., residents in the area of Broadway Street West and Grand River Street North, between Silver Street and William Street, were formally instructed to shelter in place. Police cited an active incident and warned residents to remain indoors with doors and windows locked.

At approximately 11:30 p.m., police said there had been no change in the situation and reiterated there was no broader threat to public safety. Residents were asked not to attend the area and to avoid sharing photos or videos of police activity online.

Negotiations with the homeowner continued for several hours, police said, but the man refused to surrender. At 5:33 a.m., officers from the OPP’s Tactics and Rescue Unit entered the residence with a warrant and arrested the man without incident.

Emergency medical services attended the accused for medical observation. He was held for a bail hearing.

By 5:45 a.m., police announced the shelter-in-place order had been lifted and the incident was resolved. 

Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact Brant County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.