Man arrested in ByWard Market early Friday with firearm, concerning statements
Police officers patrolling the downtown core arrested a man after spotting him holding a gun around 2 a.m. The firearm was recovered during the arrest.
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Police arrested a man in the ByWard Market early Friday after officers saw him holding a firearm and making concerning statements.
The arrest happened around 2 a.m. in an area unrelated to an active investigation officers were conducting at the time. When the man saw police, he attempted to leave the area, but officers were successful in apprehending him. The gun was recovered.
Neither the man's name, age, nor specific charges have been released. Police have not disclosed details about the concerning statements he was making.
This arrest is part of a broader policing strategy. Ottawa police have increased patrols in the downtown core over the last several summers to "maintain social order," according to previous statements. Frontline officers and members of the Neighbourhood Resource Team conduct proactive patrols, with assistance from partners including the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, OC Transpo, and the City of Ottawa's By-law and Regulatory Services.
The enforcement has resulted in multiple arrests and people facing charges.
What specific charges does the arrested man face related to the firearm and his statements?
How many total arrests and charges have resulted from downtown core patrols this summer?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
When was a man arrested with a firearm in the ByWard Market?
A man was arrested in the ByWard Market around 2 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026 after police officers spotted him holding a firearm and making concerning statements.
What happened to the firearm during the arrest?
The firearm was recovered during the arrest in the ByWard Market.
