By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
A day-long police operation in Waterville concluded peacefully on Jan. 6 after an individual barricaded himself inside an apartment on Main Street. According to SQ Communications Officer Louis-Philippe Ruel, officers responded to reports of a man in his 30s exhibiting concerning behaviour early in the morning.
Police secured the area around the apartment as a precaution and called in a tactical intervention team equipped with specialized vehicles and equipment. “It was about ensuring everyone’s safety, including the individual’s,” Ruel said. The situation ended around 6:15 p.m. when officers arrested the man without incident. He was alone in the apartment at the time.
The suspect may face charges related to the negligent use of a firearm. Ruel confirmed that a shot had been fired earlier in the day, though it was not directed at anyone. “The firearm discharge added to the urgency of the response,” he explained.
Geoff King, a Waterville resident, described in an interview the disruption caused by the police perimeter. “They had a couple of cars blocking access to certain streets,” he said. King, whose home was nearby, parked in a church lot and walked home to avoid the blocked roads. He noted that the restricted access primarily affected residents trying to enter the immediate area.
The standoff began shortly after 8 a.m., but negotiations with the man did not start until mid-afternoon. Police maintained a visible presence throughout, with large vehicles and tactical units stationed near the apartment. Ruel clarified that these measures were standard precautions.
While the incident caused significant disruption in the small town, it ended without injuries or violence. “Thankfully, the situation was resolved safely,” Ruel emphasized. Police are continuing their investigation, and the suspect’s court appearance is pending.
