Toronto Police have entered a marijuana dispensary where an apparent gunman has taken a hostage, reports CBC News.
First reports came in at around 3:00 P.M. EST when police mediators and emergency task force members began attempting to deescalate a situation where an arm man with a gun reportedly forced someone into a building.
Police surround downtown Toronto marijuana dispensary after reports of gunman possibly holding hostages. Nearby buildings in lockdown.
— CBC News Alerts (@CBCAlerts) October 26, 2017
The suspect reportedly entered the establishment with a firearm shortly after 1:00 P.M. EST. While it was suspected that several hostages were taken, it was later reported by CBC News that only one is in the gunman’s custody.
Heavily armed police entered the dispensary at around 3:53 P.M. EST.
At 4:18 P.M. EST, it was reported by CBC News that the building was, in fact, empty, and that the operation was being called off.
Toronto building thought to contain gunman and possible hostage empty, police say. Operation ending.
— CBC News Alerts (@CBCAlerts) October 26, 2017
The operation was officially labelled a “false alarm” at 4:20 P.M. EST by Toronto Police, with all roads being reopened.