BANFF – A knife-wielding man who tried to break into a party he was earlier kicked out of has been taken into police custody.
Police cordoned off a small area on the 100 block of Beaver Street after they responded to the incident at about 4 a.m. on Monday (Nov. 6).
Staff Sgt. Mike Buxton-Carr said the man was asked to leave the party when he became agitated and started picking fights.
“He climbed up onto a second floor balcony and appeared at a back door,” said Buxton-Carr.
“There was a railing up on a balcony that he was sticking the knife through, making stabbing gestures towards the people who were inside. They were able to prevent him from getting in.”
Police located the man a short time later in his own home nearby on the same block.
Buxton-Carr said the neighbours immediately surrounding the home were contacted to make them aware of the unfolding situation.
“The neighbours chose to shelter in place, and because the officers could position themselves between the suspect and any other people, it was felt unnecessary to have to do an evacuation,” he said.
After initially refusing to leave his home, police say the suspect eventually surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.
“The officers were successful in communicating with him and convincing him to come outside,” said Buxton-Carr.
In all, there were about eight police called to the scene, as well as a police dog from Calgary.
A 34-year-old Banff resident remains in custody pending an appearance before a Justice of the Peace to face charges for possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, uttering threats to cause harm, and attempted break and enter.
