A tense situation in downtown Thorold came to a head Sunday afternoon with a police standoff at an apartment building and an armed suspect surrendering.

Just before noon Niagara police responded to a call that an armed person was in downtown Thorold.

While on the way to the call officers received information that a man had been brandishing an edged weapon on the street and there was an altercation with members of the public.

The male suspect fled the scene and entered a multi-unit apartment building at 64 Front St., and then an apartment unit inside.

Officers contained the unit the suspect was hiding in as well as nearby units and the Emergency Task Unit and crisis negotiators arrived to assist.

The public was advised to stay clear of the area.

Police determined that multiple people were inside the apartment and that they were refusing to exit.

After negotiations that lasted a couple of hours three people surrendered themselves to officers.

At approximately 4:40 p.m. the suspect, Lance Zilberleib, 45, and a fifth person surrendered without further incident. Detectives located and seized a machete the suspect had.

Zilberleib, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with mischief under $5,000 and three counts of assault with a weapon.

The four persons in the apartment with Zilberleib at the time of his arrest were released without charge.

Apartment building residents were allowed to return to their units late Sunday afternoon.

Police confirmed on Monday that three members of the public were involved and they were not physically injured.

Anyone with information about the incident in Thorold or may have witnessed it is asked to contact investigating officers at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1024233.

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