Stratford Police has released more details on the incidents on Wednesday, June 1st that led to the arrest of a 34-year-old male of Stratford.
Police received a report just after 1 pm on Wednesday of a man dressed in black waving a large sword around in the area of the Thomas Orr Dam, walking towards Lion’s Pool in Stratford.
Officers attended the area and located the suspect on the north side of the Avon River hiding behind a tree on TJ Dolan Drive. While attempting to speak with the man he jumped in the river and walked west before exiting on the south side towards Stratford Intermediate School while still in possession of the sword.
Due to the close proximity, the Principal of the Stratford Intermediate School requested it be put in a Hold and Secure. The Police do not believe the school was targeted and the move was made due to ensure all students remained indoors and away from the situation.
The male re-entered the Avon River and attempted to negotiate the bank of the river when an offer entered the water and continued to negotiate with the man.
This continued until after 3:40 pm when the male came out of the water and peacefully surrendered. A search of the individual revealed he was in possession of other several other weapons along with the sword, including a prohibited butterfly knife and a small hatchet. A mall amount of methamphetamine was also found.
During the investigation it was learned earlier in the day the male had unlawfully entered his ex-spouse’s residence while openly carrying the sword. No physical harm was caused to anyone in the home and no damage done.
Upon his release from hospital the male was arrested for unlawfully in a dwelling, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, carrying a concealed weapon, mischief, unlauthorized possession of a weapon and possession of a schedule 1 substance.
The male was transported to Police Headquarters where he was held in custody to attend a bail hearing.
