Man arrested after dangerous exchange involving hatchet in Kitchener
Posted Feb 6, 2025 07:50:10 AM.
Last Updated Feb 6, 2025 10:35:54 AM.
What began as a collision and road closure Feb. 5 in the area of Strasburg Road and Block Line Road in Kitchener has been revealed to have been a more dangerous situation.
Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) said officers were on a proactive patrol in the area when their systems flagged a disqualified driver. When the driver of the vehicle saw the police cruiser, he quickly sped off, attempting to evade the officers.
In the process, the driver sped through a red light in the intersection, colliding with another vehicle. When police attended the scene, the man got out of his vehicle and attempted to fight with an officer.
A conducted energy weapon (taser) was deployed to attempt to contain the situation, with a video circulating online from a witness showing that the officer was able to get the man to the ground. However, the man was able to get back up, return to his vehicle, and grab a hatchet, then threaten the officer.
Witness videos show the man circling around the officer, who had dropped the taser and pulled out a firearm. WRPS says it was able to then restrain and arrest the individual.
A road closure was in effect for both cleanup for the collision and the initial investigation efforts. Three pedestrians were in the struck vehicle, all being sent to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
The 27-year-old man from Kitchener is now facing a list of charges, including:
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Assault police
- Resist arrest
- Assault police officer with a weapon
- Disarming a police officer
- Dangerous operation of a vehicle
The man was held for a bail hearing.
The investigation is still ongoing and anyone who has further information on the man or the incident, particularly those who witnessed it or have dash-cam footage, is asked to contact WRPS.
Full video from witnesses at the scene can be viewed on the social media platform, Reddit.
WARNING: Video contains swearing and language that some might find offensive.
