Dramatic takedown in Kitchener caught on camera

High-risk arrest on Kitchener street Dash cam video shows Waterloo Regional Police making an arrest in Kitchener. Spencer Turcotte tells us what prompted the dramatic takedown.

Waterloo Regional Police say a high-risk arrest on Monday is linked to lengthy drug investigation in Kitchener.

A driver, who just happened to be travelling on Traynor Avenue, caught the dramatic takedown on dash cam video around 5 p.m.

The video, which was later posted on Reddit, shows vans speeding down the street, then stopping suddenly in front of an e-bike.

A loud bang is heard, followed by a cloud of smoke.

Officers wearing tactical gear can then be seen jumping out of the vans and surrounding the driver on the ground.

Police said the arrest was done by their Drug and Firearms Unit and Emergency Response Team.

“Officers had information that the individual who was under arrest may have had a firearm on hand,” said Const. Chris Iden. “To ensure community safety, a high-risk arrest was completed.”

Police said the 30-year-old man on the e-bike was carrying a replica gun, a large quantity of drugs and cash.

He’s facing multiple weapons-related charges, as well as possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and five counts of breaching a court order.

The large police response was necessary, police said.

“At the end of the day, what's important is that everybody involved in this investigation and arrests were all safe,” Iden explained.

He added that operations, like Monday’s arrest, require careful planning.

“The element of surprise is a huge factor in something, especially, like this. When somebody has a firearm, you know, we need to take surveillance and undercover to our advantage.”