Man acting erratically at riverfront spray park arrested, treated at hospital

A 44-year-old man who was behaving in a "threatening / erratic manner" at the riverfront Rotary Spray Park yesterday afternoon has been taken into custody and charged with possession of cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as mischief, resisting arrest and theft under $5,000, according to Athabasca RCMP Sgt. Brian Scott in a press release.

Police received a report at approximately 12:45 p.m. of a man who was striking water apparatuses at the park and who had taken a child's blanket.

RCMP tried to reason with the suspect upon their arrival.

"The suspect ran into the river until the water was up to his waist," Scott reported.

Athabasca Fire Department arrived and launched a rescue boat in case the situation escalated.

"Rescue personnel were situated both upstream and downstream of the subject to prepare for any eventuality," stated Scott, though their services were not needed, as the suspect returned to shore.

He was surrounded and taken into custody, then treated by Associated Ambulance workers who were on scene. The suspect was taken to Athabasca Hospital for further treatment.

A court date has not been scheduled yet.