Needle-toting woman tased

Photo: Skylar Noe-Vack

Police tasered a woman holding needles and running into traffic in downtown Kelowna Friday afternoon.

Kelowna RCMP were called at about 2 p.m. to Bernard Avenue, between Richter Street and Ellis Street, after people complained a woman was running in front of vehicles and crying.

Kelowna RCMP Const. Jesse O’Donaghey said at one point she was laying on the ground, then suddenly ran out in front of a transit bus.

“RCMP arrived on scene and attempted to negotiate verbally with the woman. Attempts were made to de-escalate the woman’s erratic behaviour,” said O’Donaghey.

“The woman's threatening behaviour posed a danger to herself and the public, as she was still in possession of multiple needles. To ensure public and police safety, officers utilized a (Taser) to apprehend the woman under the Mental Health Act.”

She was taken to hospital for an assessment.