Seven-hour Walkerville standoff leads to arrest after explosive heard: WPS

An explosion in south Walkerville prompted a police investigation and seven-hour standoff on Byng Road. Robert Lothian explains.

A man has been arrested after a seven-hour standoff on Sunday in south Walkerville after an explosive was heard.

In the early morning on Sunday, police were called with multiple reports of ‘loud explosions’ or possible gunshots in the 2300 block of Byng Road.

Police arrived on scene but said they initially couldn’t find the source of the sound. Around noon, more calls were made with reports of ‘blasts strong enough to shake the windows’ of neighbouring homes.

An investigation was launched and the Windsor Police Service said it determined a man at a nearby home had detonated at least one explosive on his front lawn.

A perimeter was established around the home and nearby residents were evacuated. Several attempts were made to get the suspect out of his home by phone, but none were successful.

The standoff came to an end after several hours, leading to the arrest of a 35-year-old man. He is now facing charges for weapon possession and mischief.

The investigation is ongoing. Windsor police notified the public that Byng was closed again Monday between Vimy and Loraine, but it has since reopened.

Anyone with information or video or audio recordings of the incident is asked to contact the WPS Major Crimes Investigators at 519-255-6700 ext. 4830. Anonymous tips can also be sent to Crime Stoppers here or by calling 519-258-8477.