Middlesex OPP lay charges after gunshot investigation becomes standoff

A Thames Centre man, 51, is now facing weapons and drugs charges after a more-than-eight-hour standoff earlier this week.

The incident began Sunday afternoon after a resident heard what they believed to be a gunshot.

“This is rural Ontario; it’s not uncommon to hear such things,” Const. Max Gomez told 980 CFPL.

“Sometime later, this person observed a male in possession of a firearm interacting with some people, the witness thought that there was something wrong and then contacted police.”

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "This is rural Ontario; it's not uncommon to hear such things," Const. Max Gomez told 980 CFPL.</p><p>"Sometime later, this person observed a male in possession of a firearm interacting with some people, the witness thought that there was something wrong and then contacted police."

Get breaking National news

Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Police responded to a Catherine Street address at around 5:30 p.m. but were unable to make contact with the suspect.

The OPP West Region’s Emergency Response Team, Tactics and Rescue Unit, and Mobile Support Unit were called in and an arrest was made just before 2 a.m. Monday.

“Members of the Tactics and Rescue Unit did successfully arrest this male,” said Gomez. “We cleared the scene shortly after.”

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "Members of the Tactics and Rescue Unit did successfully arrest this male," said Gomez. "We cleared the scene shortly after."

The suspect faces charges of careless use of a firearm, pointing a firearm, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, and possession of a Schedule II substance (cannabis) over 30 grams.