Ottawa police converged on Centretown Monday morning, May 25, after receiving a report of a possible firearm sighting. The incident, which unfolded around 11 a.m. at 300 Gloucester Street, led to a temporary closure of Gloucester Street between Percy and Bay streets. Students at Centennial Public School were also instructed to remain indoors as a precautionary measure.
According to police spokesperson Julie Kavanagh, the call involved a potential firearm observed on an apartment balcony. Following their investigation, officers confirmed that no actual firearm was present, and no threat to public safety was identified.
Recurrence of Armed Individual Reports in Downtown Ottawa
This recent event adds to a series of incidents involving firearms or perceived firearm threats in downtown Ottawa. On April 29, 2025, police responded to a call about an armed individual near the Rideau Centre and Sparks Street. During the interaction, an officer discharged their weapon, striking the individual. The area around the mall experienced a significant police presence, with mall entrances briefly secured.
Read More: Vriddhachalam police seize 5kg ganja, four held
Earlier in March 2025, Ottawa police apprehended a man carrying a replica firearm near the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). While no injuries were reported in that instance, the swift police action prevented the individual from reaching the hospital.
A brief mention from February 27, 2026, in West Carleton Online's police briefs also alludes to drugs and a firearm being seized in Centretown, though specific details for this particular report were not readily available without login.
