KANATA – Ottawa police subdued a man with a knife after an evening standoff in Kanata Monday (July 27).

“Frontline officers responded to a person armed with a knife inside a residence in the 100 block of Flowertree Crescent on Monday, July 27,” the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) released in a statement today (July 29).

At approximately 6:55 p.m., police were called to a residence where a man, armed with a knife was threatening to harm himself and others. The man also threatened to burn down the house he was in and responding officers helped evacuate adjacent homes to ensure the safety of all residents.

A negotiator as well as tactical officers attended the area.

“At one point the man exited the residence and approached officers, threatening them with a knife and an ARWEN round was deployed,” the OPS said.

An Anti Riot Weapon Enfield (ARWEN) round is a 37-millimetre non-lethal round designed for riot control fired from a weapon specifically designed to handle the large round. Although that ARWEN round did not end the standoff.

“At approximately 3:30 a.m., after several hours of dialogue, officers approached the house and the man sprayed officers with what he claimed to be a form of acid,” The OPS said. “No officers were injured.”

As officers entered the residence they were met with booby traps designed to thwart their efforts to apprehend the man. Officers located and apprehended the man without incident.

“A search warrant was executed at the residence today (July 29),” the OPS said. “Evacuated Residents were permitted back to their residences once it was deemed safe for them to do so. The Ottawa police thanks the public for its cooperation. Public safety was of highest priority during this investigation.”

West Criminal Investigations charged Ryan Smrke, 21 of Ottawa, with:

• Assaulting a peace Officer with a Weapon x8
• Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to the Public
• Administering Noxious Thing with Intent x8
• Mischief/Obstructing Property
• Mischief over $5,000
• Mischief under $5,000
• Common Nuisance
• Uttering threats

  Smrke was scheduled to appear in court today.