Chainsaw-wielding man charged in Wednesday night incident: Vancouver PD

VANCOUVER – Police in Vancouver say a 67-year-old man has been charged after he brandished a chainsaw at people in downtown Vancouver Wednesday night, though it’s unclear if he’s been released to cause more trouble in the community.

The VPD says the B.C. Prosecution Service has approved a charge of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose against David Meadows.

The incident happened at approximately 7 p.m. near the intersection of Davie Street and Denman Street on Wednesday (July 8).

Police allege Meadows had been yelling obscenities near a coffee shop patio when he allegedly turned on an electric chainsaw and began walking toward people.

Bystanders fled the scene, and no one was injured.

Vancouver Police officers arrested the man at Beach Avenue and Burnaby Street within three minutes of receiving the 911 call.

Police did not reveal whether Meadows has been released from custody.