A heavy police presence was underway in the Charles and Stirling area of Kitchener Thursday morning.

Police stormed the home at 50 Stirling Ave. shortly before 7 a.m., and arrested a 27-year-old man.

Multiple officers had their guns drawn as they said they were looking for a male shoplifter who had fled the Little Short Stop convenience store on Ottawa Street.

Police said the man threatened the officers with a knife.


Police

Stirling Avenue South in Kitchener between Charles Street East and King Street East has been closed to traffic in both directions for several hours and transit has been rerouted.

There was no risk to public safety, police said.

Officers said the road will reopen around 8 a.m.

Until then, motorists are being asked to avoid the area.