St. Thomas, ON – Friday January 31st, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A 32 year old St. Thomas resident has been arrested after an incident at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH), last night.
On Thursday January 30th 2025, just after 8:30 p.m., STPS frontline officers and members of the STPS Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) were called to the emergency department for the report of an individual wielding a knife.
Upon arrival, officers safely contained the area which had been cleared of any individuals. Efforts to de-escalate the situation were successful, which included the deployment of a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW). Once deployed, the knife was seized and the individual was safely apprehended and provided with the mental health supports required.
“Last evening, our frontline officers and members of our Critical Incident Response Team responded to STEGH for a knife wielding individual that was in crisis. Our officers deployed immediate and rapid de-escalation strategies to safely bring this individual into custody. The matter remains under investigation and we will be ensuring accountability for the criminal actions committed. There are occurrences increasing throughout Ontario and Canada pertaining to violence within hospital environments. The STPS continues to collaborate with STEGH on these concerning matters and strengthen our shared commitments to ensure STEGH is a safe and secure environment to provide health care services. The STPS will continue to support STEGH with violence prevention strategies and align resources to enhance public safety and the delivery of health care services.” Chief Marc Roskamp
