Man with knife arrested after challenging police to shoot him

No one was injured after a man confronted police in Halifax with a knife and challenged them to shoot him.

At around 12:30 a.m. on Friday, Halifax Regional Police were called to a home on Duffus Street near IslevilleStreet. Police say a 911 call came in but no one was on the line. However, the dispatcher could hear something going on in the background.

Police said the man'sroommatewas able to escape,but she told policehe hadthreatenedher with a knife before they arrived.

When officers arrived,a 50-year-old man confronted them with a knife in an apparent attempt to have them shoot him, police said.

Officers didn't shoot the man, but Staff Sgt. Bill Morris said police must weigh the danger in these kinds of situations.

"At that point, an officer deals with the threat that's in front of [them].If the male was to lunge at [an officer], then they would use whatever means necessary to protect themselves and to protect him. They have several options, less lethal force. We have our pepper spray, batons, Tasers and it goes all the way up to our firearms if absolutely necessary," he said.

The man then ran back into the empty home with the knife while police surrounded the area.

Emergency response officers arrived on scene and negotiated with the man. He eventually left the home on his own and police arrested him.

The man isscheduled to appear in Halifax provincialcourt this morningon charges of uttering threats to cause bodily harm and possession of a dangerous weapon.