Bluewater Health staff were left shaken but fortunately nobody was hurt, after a man armed with what looked like a gun entered the emergency department.
Just after 12 a.m. Monday, Sarnia police say a man who appeared to be agitated and under the influence of drugs, entered the ER and began to argue with triage staff.
Cst. John Sottosanti said hospital security immediately responded and the suspect ran outside, where he then pointed a gun at security and staff, lunging toward them.
He said the suspect followed staff back into the emergency department with the gun raised in the air, before fleeing.
"Bluewater security had already contacted police and officers immediately flooded the area," said Sottosanti. "The male suspect had left the hospital, but fortunately officers were able to locate him beside a building in the 200 block of Durand Street. As officers approached the suspect, they observed what appeared to be a handgun on the ground by the suspect. Officers were able to arrest the individual with no further incident."
Cst. John Sottosanti said although it was determined to be a replica gun, it looks like the real thing. He said hospital staff and others at the time had no way of knowing it wasn't a real gun when they took cover, concerned for their lives.
"Especially when the individual is yelling and screaming and acting irate, and all of a sudden he points it at you," he said. "The whole intent when you point a gun at someone, whether it's real or not, is to instill fear and or harm them."
Cst. Sottosanti said officers also seized 37 grams of crystal methamphetamine during a search of the suspect.
Bradley Douglas Kelly, 22, of Sarnia faces a total of 24 charges including four counts of assault with a weapon, pointing a firearm, breach of probation, and possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking.
He was being held in custody awaiting a bail hearing.