A man climbed the exterior construction scaffolding at a local hospital recently. He made it to the fifth floor and began smashing the window with a piece of the scaffolding, trying to get inside.
Officers responded as the man climbed inside the hospital through the broken window and then returned outside to the scaffolding. It was clear he was in a mental health crisis, so VPD negotiators patiently de-escalated the situation. Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services, BC Ambulance, and St. Paul’s medical and security staff all worked behind the scenes, as the VPD Emergency Response Team stood by.
Two hours later, the man was convinced to climb down the scaffolding to safety. He was taken inside the hospital to receive the help he needed.
