Man arrested after armed standoff in Sydney provincial building: Cape Breton police

Police say a man has been arrested and will face several charges after an armed standoff inside the provincial building on Prince Street in Sydney, N.S.

Cape Breton Regional Police said around 9:45 a.m. Tuesday they were at the scene as part of an “active investigation.”

Police said a man with an undetermined weapon had barricaded himself inside the building. They added there was no risk to public safety and asked people to stay away from the area.

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About 45 minutes later, emergency crews cleared the scene.

Emergency crews are pictured at the provincial building on Prince Street in Sydney, N.S., on April 30, 2024. (Ryan MacDonald/CTV Atlantic)

Police said negotiators were able to get the man to surrender.

Nova Scotia's premier says they will review the response to the incident, including potentially looking at the building's security measures.

"Imagine being in a building when you get a notice that you have to evacuate because of a dangerous situation. That's incredibly scary," Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston told CTV News Tuesday.

"So, we feel that for sure and I'm thankful that the early reports are that everyone is safe. Law enforcement will do their job, but the emotions of those moments would be pretty intense and very scary."

Police say no one was injured as a result of the incident.

For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.