Police investigation leads to arrest after man barricades himself inside Kitchener home

A man has been taken into custody following a police investigation that led to a temporary barricade situation in Kitchener on Sunday.

Waterloo Regional Police said in a post to X, formerly Twitter, that there was an increased police presence in the area of Charles Street and Cedar Street around noon for an ongoing investigation after a man barricaded himself inside a residence.

“This morning, I heard some commotion outside, so I went outside and then saw that there was a cop car,” said Zach Erb, who was staying at an Airbnb in the area. “There were people throwing stuff from the top window and the cops ended up going through the back door...and arrested him.”

Police said the man was alone in his home and that there was no broader threat to public safety at any time.

In an update posted shortly after 2 p.m., police confirmed that one man had been taken into custody in connection with a robbery investigation. Officers remained in the area following the arrest.

“I was just watching,” Erb said. “I got the front view of the house. I just watched the man who was throwing a bunch of stuff. There was glass, toys, a baby stroller, water bottles, basically everything they could find in their house they were throwing it out.”

Grand River Transit advised riders of an emergency detour on Routes 3 Ottawa South and 7 King, noting that Charles Street East, between Benton Street and Stirling Avenue North, was closed due to the police investigation.

Charles Street southbound lanes were closed but have since reopened.

Police have not released additional details about the robbery or potential charges.

More to come.