People are expressing concern for a man who was handing out money to people in the Halifax area last week after his daughter posted a message on Facebook.
She claims her father was arrested in Prince Edward Island and is now confined in a hospital in Charlottetown. The man backs her claims, but his mother is telling a different story.
Police in Charlottetown confirm they received a call Thursday to conduct a wellness check on the man. Officers determined a medical assessment was necessary and took the man to hospital.
“They’re always told where they’re going. They’re told why they’re being taken there,” says P.E.I. RCMP Sgt. Leanne Butler.
“They also do get the right to call a lawyer if they wish.”
Police in Halifax say they had received a similar call about the man on Tuesday.
“We brought the resources we had available, the patrol officer and the mobile crisis team, to the scene,” says Const. Pierre Bourdages of the Halifax Regional Police.
“There was no reason to have any more police involvement and there was no breach of any law or act.”
CTV News has decided not to identify the individual involved because his family members have expressed concern for his safety and the safety of his children.
The man’s mother tells CTV News he has no history of mental illness. She also says he was not arrested and is not being held against his will.
But the man told CTV News late Monday he is in hospital in Charlottetown and intends to seek legal counsel.
Bill MacNamara and June Bond are among those who received money from the man last week. They say he pulled up to their Dartmouth home and handed them $100 and two silver coins.
They were shocked to learn he may have been picked up by police and admitted to hospital.
“I’m angry, I’m very angry,” says McNamara.
“Disgusted, outraged,” says Bond. “I didn’t think this story was going to get so out of hand, and it has.”
They say they are very grateful for the money as it came during a time of great need.
“From the bottom of my heart and I hope you can get home to your family,” says Bond.
The man tells CTV News he had a great time handing out the money and still hopes something good comes from the situation.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kayla Hounsell