A man armed with a machete has been apprehended under the Mental Health Act and admitted to a psychiatric facility after a disturbance at Port Moody’s Eagle Ridge Hospital on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
According to Port Moody Police Department (PMPD) spokesperson Const. Sam Zacharias, a number of 9-1-1 calls came in from the hospital shortly after 8:30 a.m. reporting a man waving a machete “in a threatening manner” inside the emergency ward.
The incident triggered a “Code Silver” alert at the hospital advising all staff there was an active attacker at the facility and to seek a safe escape route.
Zacharias said in a news release officers located the man outside the hospital and conducted a high-risk arrest.
When they determined mental health was a factor, the man — in his 20s and from Maple Ridge — was transported to a psychiatric facility.
Zacharias said the incident remains under investigation and criminal charges are being recommended to the B.C. Prosecution Service.
“Any witnesses who have yet to speak with us are encouraged to do so,” he added.
Tuesday’s incident was the second time in recent weeks police had to be called to the hospital for a violent attack.
On Nov. 20, a nurse was allegedly assaulted by a discharged patient.
Shawn Bradley Forsythe, 41, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with assault causing bodily harm. He’s due to appear in court on Feb. 10.
The nurse wasn’t seriously injured.
📣 Got an opinion on this story or any others in the Tri-Cities? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected].
📲 Want to stay updated on Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra news? Sign up for our free daily newsletter.
💬 Words missing in an article? Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing.
