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An Abbotsford Police patch is worn by an officer at RCMP "E" Division headquarters in Surrey, B.C., on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

Man arrested after firearm threat forces lockdown at B.C. hospital

Mar 16, 2026 | 7:15 PM

ABBOTSFORD — A man has been arrested after a firearm threat that forced the Abbotsford Regional Hospital to be put into lockdown.

Police say they received a report around 2 p.m. Monday of a man believed to be in possession of a firearm in the health-care facility.

They say more than 30 officers responded and conducted a thorough search of each room and floor while the hospital remained in lockdown.

It was determined that the suspect had left the hospital, and he was located at around 2:50 p.m.

Police say the lockdown ended around 3:15 p.m. and the facility returned to normal operations.

They say no one was injured and no shots were fired, contrary to rumours circulating on social media.

Police thanked the public and hospital staff for their patience and encouraged anyone with information on the incident to reach out.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 16, 2026.

The Canadian Press