CORNWALL, Ontario – Cornwall police arrested one man Monday after a day-long standoff in the east end. Police had blocked access to a portion of Prince Albert Street because an assault suspect had barricaded themselves in a home.
As a result of the incident a warrant was obtained and shortly after 5:30 p.m. members of the Cornwall Emergency Response Team entered the residence and took Edward Hall, 44 of Cornwall Island into custody.
It is alleged that shortly after 1 a.m. on Monday a man was involved in a verbal argument with a 22-year-old man when he slashed at the individual with a knife causing him to suffer a significant cut to one of his hands.
The man then threatened to kill the 22-year-old. Police were contacted and secured the area until appropriate resources became available. Hall is charged with aggravated assault, threats to life and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
He was transported to police headquarters and held for a bail hearing.
Police deployed so-called “distraction devices” outside the home, but advised residents that the noises they heard were not gunshots.
Police asked the public to stay away from the area while they tried to reason with the individual inside.
The Cornwall Emergency Response Team was assisting in maintaining a perimeter for public safety before entering the home.
Distraction devices are often used by police services in tactical situations where it is necessary to focus a person’s attention on one area, or disorient them, while trying proceed with an operation or move people.
