Police in Hope resolve two mental health incidents, one of which involved a man with a machete

HOPE – Police in Hope were able to peacefully resolve two recent incidents involving people experiencing apparent mental health crises, including a tense situation where a man with a machete challenged police to engage in a confrontation.

Hope RCMP spokesperson Corporal Carmen Kiener said the first incident, which occurred between Monday, Sept. 14 and Sunday, Sept. 27, involved officers responding to reports of a man walking in traffic near Lake of the Woods, while behaving erratically. When police arrived on scene, the man displayed a machete and challenged officers to engage in a confrontation. As additional officers arrived, the situation de-escalated. Corporal Kiener said the man placed the machete on the ground and was taken into custody without injury to himself, officers, or members of the public.

Responding officers witnessed behaviours suggesting the man was experiencing a mental health crisis. The man was apprehended under the Mental Health Act and taken for a medical assessment and treatment. The incident had the potential to result in serious harm but was fortunately resolved by the actions of the responding officers.

In a separate incident between Sept. 14-27, Hope RCMP responded to a report by a concerned citizen of a woman in the Fraser River near the Rupert Street boat launch. The caller said woman appeared distressed and behaving erratically. Officers attended and observed the same behaviours, suggesting the woman was experiencing a mental health crisis. Despite repeated requests by police, the woman refused to leave the water. Officers stayed at the scene, engaging with her through conversation while carefully monitoring the risks posed by the river current and cold-water temperatures.

After an extended period of dialogue, the woman moved close enough to shore for an officer to safely reach out and take hold of her hand. She was apprehended under the Mental Health Act and transported to hospital for assessment and treatment.

Cpl. Kiener said officers were able to safely resolve a situation that had the potential for a tragic outcome, ensuring the woman received the support she required.