Two in custody after standoff in North Central

Several Regina police officers in tactical gear were involved in a standoff in North Central all day Monday before taking a man and woman into custody.

According to police, it began as a result of a previous gun investigation, which started around 6 a.m. Monday.

Around 10 a.m., it’s believed gunshots may have been fired at police officers from a home in the 1100 block of Elphinstone Street. No was injured.

After that initial incident, Regina police set up a safety perimeter and called in extra resources — including an RCMP tactical armoured vehicle, the SWAT team, crisis negotiators, police dogs and plain-clothed officers.

Officers attempted to make contact with multiple suspects inside the home to safely take them into custody and secure their weapons.

“Our goal in any negotiation is always for a safe resolution for everyone involved. That would include members of the public and the police service, but also the suspects themselves,” explained Regina Police Service spokesperson Elizabeth Popowich.

Officers used “less lethal” tactics, including loud gas bursts to persuade the suspects to make contact.

The SWAT team is firing bursts of gas in the 1100 block Elphinstone. RPS spokesperson tells me no gun shots have been fired. #yqr pic.twitter.com/8Dm1Ru1Gh8

— Jessie Anton (@jessieanton_) October 23, 2017

Around 3 p.m., the Explosive Disposal Unit arrived on-scene and attempted to send a phone into the residence via a bomb robot. However, still no contact was made.

Earlier Monday, the schools in the area secured their buildings, meaning all doors were locked and no one was leaving or entering the schools without permission.

Nearby businesses such as a bank, auto body shop and the Four Directions Community Health Centre closed around 12 p.m. when officers widened the safety perimeter.

Stand off comes to an end

Just before 9 p.m. Regina Police said a man and a woman came out of the house and were safely taken into custody.

Regina police confirm they took one man and one woman out of the house. The investigation continues #yqr pic.twitter.com/0GvRQxAxmc

— Jessika Guse (@JessikaGuse) October 24, 2017

Members of the SWAT team cleared the house for any other suspects.

Investigators will search for more evidence in and around the house.

YQR fire brought w’ what appears to be a fan extracting fumes. Bystanders tells me he recognizes the smell, claiming it’s tear gas. pic.twitter.com/WCPmy4kUp9

— Jessika Guse (@JessikaGuse) October 24, 2017

Regina police will not be releasing further details at this time. Names and charges of the suspects will be shared pending the outcome of the investigation.

— With files from 980 CJME’s Jessie Anton and 980 CJME’s Jessika Guse

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.