There were no injuries, and no charges have been laid, after a situation in downtown St. John’s possibly involving weapons Friday afternoon.
A large number of police officers descended on the neighbourhood and a portion of the street was cordoned off.
The incident was resolved peacefully after all occupants of the home in question emerged.
The homeowner did not wish to make a police report, and one man was arrested on unrelated charges.
The general area has been the focus of concern for some time, including when shots were fired earlier this month.
Justice Minister John Hogan was questioned in the House of Assembly by NDP Leader and area MHA Jim Dinn.
“Police in riot gear cordoned off an area,” said Dinn, “It’s another incident in a long line of incidents affecting people in the neighbourhood…police in tactical gear cannot be the only response to the issues facing the area.”
Minister Hogan says he’s been receiving emails concerning activity in the area, “in fact, some of the emails called for an increased police presence in the area.” Hogan told the House that “I think they were thankful that the RNC showed up to deal with the crime in that area on that specific day.” He admits they’re looking at some “out of the box” ways to improve the area, including setting up a community centre in the area.