“Early this morning a male went into Denny’s as a customer. After receiving his bill, he made a threat. The wait staff alerted the other employees and customers who all evacuated the building, leaving the man alone inside of the restaurant.”

When police attended the restaurant, she says the suspect closed all of the blinds to the restaurant.

“At one point, the male did exit one of the restaurant doors, he was brandishing a knife. When confronted with officers, the suspect went back into the restaurant.”

As a precautionary measure, Shelkie says the natural gas has been shut off to the restaurant.

Meantime, police have the restaurant surrounded and are attempting to establish contact with the suspect inside.

All residents in the area are being asked to stay inside unless they wish to leave their residence and the area until the situation has been resolved.

UPDATE — The Southeast District Emergency Response Team has been called to assist in an ongoing incident at the Denny’s Restaurant at 6th and Columbia Street downtown.

In a news release, Sergeant Brandon Buliziuk says they are dealing with a barricaded man inside the restaurant, and says it’s a current risk to public safety.

Columbia Street is closed between 5th and 6th Avenues, as well as the intersection of 6th and Columbia.

Motorists are pedestrians are asked to stay away from the area.

There is no time estimate for reopening.

Sergeant Buliziuk says the safety threat is currently contained to the business.

There’s no indication at this time whether or not there are other people inside the restaurant.

EARLIER — RCMP currently dealing with a situation at a downtown restaurant.

A major police presence this morning at the Denny’s restaurant at Columbia Street and 6th Avenue.

Police have released no details except to ask the public to steer clear of the area.

There are police vehicles surrounding the restaurant.

Several armed officers have been seen outside.

Looks like they’re dealing with a distraught person inside the restaurant.

Nothing else available at this point, but at 5:00 AM, the incident was still ongoing.