RCMP revealed further details about a police incident that took place on Tuesday afternoon that involved streets being closed down.

Richmond RCMP stated today (February 20) that just before 4 p.m. on February 18, officers responded to reports of an armed and distraught man at a store near the 9000 block of Alderbridge Way. The store was identified by media as Walmart Richmond (9251 Alderbridge Way). 

Upon arrival, officers found the barricaded male suspect in distress who brandished two meat cleavers towards police and refused to surrender.

RCMP evacuated police from the store and created a security perimeter, which included road closures in the area. A Richmond RCMP crisis negotiator, an Emergency Response Team, and police dogs were called for assistance.

After a stalemate, the man surrendered to police and was taken into custody around 5:30 p.m.

No injuries were reported and the investigation remains ongoing.

John Bennett Lam, a 31-year-old male from Richmond who is known to police, has been charged with one count each of threatening with a weapon, possessing a weapon, and causing a disturbance.