Young man with rifle taken for mental health assessment, Nanaimo RCMP say

An RCMP vehicle is seen in this undated image. (Shutterstock)

Authorities say a young man who barricaded himself inside a Nanaimo, B.C., home with a rifle, ammunition and body armour was taken away peacefully Monday evening.

The 25-year-old was apprehended under the Mental Health Act after an approximately three-hour standoff with crisis negotiators and emergency response team members, Nanaimo RCMP said in a news release Tuesday.

The incident drew a large police presence to the property, located on Haliburton Street.

“The RCMP would like to thank surrounding residents for their patience and understanding while the situation was being resolved,” Const. Gary O’Brien said, in a statement.

“We know it can be unsettling to see a large number of officers and equipment attending to any given situation. However, rest assured this is necessary to ensure not only their safety but that of the public also.”

Authorities said they were called to a home at approximately 7:20 p.m., and found the young man barricaded in his room.

Officers were told “there was a concern for the safety and well-being” of the man, who eventually agreed to walk out so he could be taken for psychiatric evaluation, the Nanaimo RCMP said.

No one was injured during the incident, according to police.