Skip to content

Edmonton standoff ends peacefully (photo gallery)

A man described by friends as troubled and angry — that his benefits were cut off, that his wife was fighting him for custody of their kids — charged into a Workers’ Compensation office Wednesday, taking eight people hostage.
Man with Gun 20091021
TOP: Edmonton Tactical prepare near the Workers Compensation Board building in Edmonton Wednesday.

EDMONTON — A man described by friends as troubled and angry — that his benefits were cut off, that his wife was fighting him for custody of their kids — charged into a Workers’ Compensation office Wednesday, taking eight people hostage.

Almost 10 hours after the drama began, it ended peacefully. The gunman had surrendered; the hostages were safe and unharmed.

“He just wanted to be left alone,” said a visibly relieved Insp. Terry Rocchio. “Actually, I think one of his points was he wanted to talk to the media and get his story out.”