Sarnia Fire and Rescue responded to a structure fire on Queen Street - July 13/20 (Photo courtesy of Sarnia Fire and Rescue via Twitter)Sarnia Fire and Rescue responded to a structure fire on Queen Street - July 13/20 (Photo courtesy of Sarnia Fire and Rescue via Twitter)
Sarnia

Queen Street building damaged by fire in police standoff

Significant fire damage was done to a Queen Street building during a standoff with Sarnia police Monday afternoon.

Just after 12 p.m., police, fire and Lambton EMS responded to reports of a man causing damage to a multi-unit complex in the 100 block.

Police said a 34-year-old man had barricaded himself inside an upstairs unit and allegedly began throwing items including a TV and flower pots out at the officers.

The stairwell had also been barricaded preventing officers from accessing the apartment, and music blared, making verbal communication difficult.

Police shut off power to the unit and began trying to coax the individual out with the help of members of the Mental Health Engagement and Response Team including a crisis nurse from the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Police said at this point, flames and smoke were seen coming from the unit and occupants and nearby residences were evacuated.

The situation eventually de-escalated and the man lowered himself from the second floor to a mattress laid out by officers.

He was taken to hospital for treatment and observation.

The fire caused significant damage to the top floor of the complex.

An investigation is ongoing.

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