Vancouver police say a 67-year-old man was arrested after allegedly wielding a chainsaw at people in the West End neighbourhood on July 9, 2026. The incident occurred in the afternoon, prompting a swift response from officers who apprehended the suspect without incident.
Details of the incident
According to a police statement, the man was seen carrying a chainsaw and making threatening gestures toward bystanders near the intersection of Davie and Denman streets. Witnesses reported that the chainsaw was not running, but the man appeared agitated. Officers arrived within minutes and took him into custody.
No injuries were reported, and the chainsaw was seized as evidence. The suspect, whose name has not been released, faces potential charges of assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. He is being held for a psychological evaluation, police said.
Community response
The West End is a densely populated area with many pedestrians and tourists. Local resident Maria Chen said she was shocked by the incident. “I saw him walking down the street with the chainsaw, and people were running away. It was terrifying,” she told reporters. Police are urging anyone with additional information to contact them.
This incident comes amid a broader discussion about public safety and mental health support in Vancouver. The city has seen a rise in random acts of violence in recent years, though police emphasize that such events remain rare.
