The RCMP's Emergency Response Team was deployed in Nanaimo after an elderly man threatened to harm himself and someone else Monday.
Police responded at about 2:45 p.m. after receiving a call that a man in Departure Bay threatened to harm himself and another person residing in his home.
"It was a domestic incident involving a mental health issue," said Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman.
Police had information there were firearms in the home and when they were unable to make contact with the man, they called in the Emergency Response Team and a negotiator.
"We knew for a fact there was six firearms in the home," O'Brien said.
As a precaution, police evacuated residents of several neigbouring homes.
"They went to friends' homes while we negotiated with the individual," O'Brien said. "He peacefully came out of the home shortly after 5 p.m."
The man was taken to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for a psychiatric assessment.
O'Brien would not say what street the incident occurred on, or give any information about the man other than that he is elderly.
No decision has been made as to whether charges will be recommended.