Charges have been laid after a St. Thomas police officer was threatened with a knife at a homeless shelter in the city over the weekend.
Police were called to the shelter on Wellington Street around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday to break up an altercation between two men. While police were trying to end the dispute, one of the men is alleged to have picked up a nearby knife and threatened to stab an officer in the neck.
The officer immediately pulled out a taser and demanded the man drop the knife, police said.
The man complied and was arrested without further incident.
An unnamed man has been charged with assault, resisting arrest, and uttering threats.
Police Chief Chris Herridge took to Twitter to commend the officer.
“Excellent work by “C” Platoon… Quick de-escalation using communication and displaying taser,” wrote Herridge.
He ended his tweet with the hashtag “everyone goes home.”
Excellent work by “C” Platoon. Suspect had a knife, threatening to stab @STPSmedia officer in the neck. Quick de-escalation using communication & displaying @Axon_Canada Taser 7. Suspect already on release for Mischief/Assault PO (x2)/Resist PO (x3)/Threats. #everyonegoeshome https://t.co/wht1xrg7DS
— Chris Herridge (@ChiefHerridge) January 16, 2022
