Taser used to subdue man threatening shoppers and police at Penticton mall

PENTICTON – A man who allegedly assaulted a senior and threatened shoppers and police with scissors at Cherry Lane Mall this weekend was eventually calmed by officers but not before they had to use a taser to subdue him.

Police responded to calls of a man being assaulted in the northwest parking lot of Cherry Lane Shopping Centre on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 3, RCMP media spokesperson Cpl. Don Wrigglesworth says.

Witnesses reported a 78-year-old man being punched in the head in what police later described as an unprovoked attack.

Police arrived to find a man in the parking lot, threatening people with a pair of scissors that had the blades separated. He was told to show his hands but refused to comply, continuing to threaten officers and yelling at police to shoot him.

Police surrounded the individual, and a firearm was pointed at him. After he was hit with a taser, the man complied with police.

The man was taken into custody, then to hospital after it was discovered he had a mental health warrant issued against him. He is now facing charges on three counts — assault, possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes, and obstructing police.

Wrigglesworth praised the officers involved for maintaining their composure in bringing a difficult situation to a peaceful and safe conclusion for all involved.

The assaulted man was not badly hurt in the incident.

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