A police standoff in Prince Rupert — lasting approximately nine hours — ended with a 47-year-old Gregory Donders being forced from the residence he was barricading himself in.
“With the assistance of additional resources, specialized tactics were utilized and at 12:51 p.m. the 47-year-old male exited the residence and was safely taken to police custody,” said Staff Sgt. Dave Uppal.
The initial call to police at approximately 3 a.m. Wednesday, July 18, was for assault with a weapon in the 200 block of Fifth Avenue West.
The man who made the call said he was attacked inside the apartment. Karl Heinz Roman Reschke was sent to the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital and was later released with three staples on the top of his head.
He said he wants to press charges after Donders hit him in the head with a hatchet. Police say a woman was at the scene when the assault took place.
“The man went ballistic,” Reschke said. He then described what happened to Black Press. A distraught woman had knocked on his door in the early morning, and Donders followed and started attacking him.
| Karl Heinz Roman Reschke said he was attacked with a hatchet over his head. (Kelly Little photo) |
After fending off the attack Reschke said he called 911, and police were at the scene all morning. Two neighbouring residences were evacuated. Members of the emergency response team arrived at approximately 9:30 a.m. to assist in apprehending Donders.
Seven Prince Rupert RCMP cars had blocked off a section of Fifth Avenue West and Sixth Avenue West as a precautionary measure.
Staff Sgt. Dave Uppal said they would like to thank the public for their cooperation and understanding during this incident.
Donders appeared in provincial court on July 19 at 12:30 p.m. He currently faces charges of assault, forcible entry, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, and break and enter and committing an indictable offence.
Following his court appearance last Thursday, he will remain in custody until his next appearance, which will take place on August 1 at 10 a.m.
With files from Matthew Allen and Kelly Little
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shannon.lough@thenorthernview.com
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