'Suicidal' Lethbridge man with rifle arrested after standoff shuts Whoop-Up Drive

Lethbridge police have safely taken into custody a suicidal man armed with a rifle and nearly five dozen rounds of steel core ammunition, after shutting down Whoop-Up Drive for hours.

It started with a 911 call early Thursday from a20-year-old who told police he had a firearm and wanted to engage them.

Police arrived to the man's location,but he fled in a vehicle and drovethrough the city at speeds over 100 km/h.

Shortly before 4 a.m. police shut down traffic in both directions along Whoop-Up Driveand asked residents toavoid the area.

The tactical team and explosive disposal unit were called because of the risk of harm to police and the public.

Police also deployed anarmoured rescue vehicle.

They were able to stopthe man's vehicle in the eastbound lanes of Whoop-Up Drive, closingtraffic in both directions.

Police safelyapprehended the man nearly two hours later, and re-opened the area to the public.

Police didn't name the man, but said he was "suicidal."

• MORE CRIME NEWS |Scissors used in near-fatal attack on roommates of Qisong Zhou: court documents
• MORE CRIME NEWS |Skimming machine found at Husky station in southeast Calgary