Victoria’s Pandora Avenue was closed between Douglas Street and Broad Street on Friday after a police response to a weapons call at Victoria City Hall. The closure began just before 4 p.m. when officers rushed to the scene. Three ambulances also arrived within minutes. The Victoria Police Department said officers deployed a less-lethal round. They took one person into custody. Police confirmed there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Police received a weapons call at about 3:55 p.m. A witness reported a person acting erratically near the steps of City Hall. Officers arrived in uniform. They set up a perimeter around the front entrance. Traffic on Pandora Avenue stopped in both directions. Pedestrians were redirected to allow space for first responders.
Ambulance crews from three units stood by to assist anyone in need. Paramedics checked one person at the scene. That person did not need hospital treatment, police said. No other injuries were reported. The swift medical response reassured onlookers. Many residents paused at nearby sidewalks to watch the unfolding events.
At approximately 4:10 p.m., officers used a less-lethal option to subdue the suspect. Police described it as a standard tool in high-risk calls. Officers then restrained the individual. They escorted the person to a police van. The suspect was charged and taken to jail. Police did not immediately release details on the charges.
A police spokesperson said the Victoria City Hall incident was contained quickly. “We acted on clear information and neutralized the threat,” the spokesperson said. “Our priority was public safety.” Officers thanked nearby businesses and passersby for their cooperation. They praised the quick care provided by paramedics and emergency staff.
City Hall closed its main entrance for several hours. Staff and visitors used side doors to enter and exit the building. A notice on the City Hall website advised people to plan extra time for visits. The website notice also explained that normal service would resume once Pandora Avenue reopened.
Local bus routes were diverted during the closure. Transit officials posted alerts on social media. Buses on route 3 and route 5 took alternate streets. Signs directed drivers to detours around the closed block. Traffic delays grew during the early evening rush hour.
Nearby shops felt the impact of the closure. Some cafes saw fewer customers while the street remained blocked. A bakery owner said business dipped by about 20 percent. “It was quiet until the road reopened,” the owner said. A florist two blocks away reported a slight drop in foot traffic. Yet some businesses welcomed the extra space for outdoor seating under the closure barriers.
The city’s emergency response plan includes regular drills at City Hall. Police, paramedics, and fire crews train together for high-risk calls. These exercises strengthen coordination among agencies. Officials credited these drills for the smooth handling of Friday’s event.
Residents who live near Pandora Avenue said they felt safe despite the sudden police presence. “I was nervous at first,” one resident said. “But police handled it well and kept us informed.” Another local worker said, “They cleared the area fast. I appreciate their work.”
Victoria’s mayor issued a statement praising first responders. The mayor said public safety is a top priority. “Our officers and medical teams responded swiftly and professionally,” the statement read. “I thank them for keeping our community safe.”
Police expect Pandora Avenue to reopen once they finish their investigation. They will clear any remaining equipment and debris from the road. Cleanup crews will remove police tape and traffic cones. City engineers will inspect the street before allowing normal traffic flow.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Victoria Police. Tips can be submitted online or by calling the non-emergency line. Witnesses who did not speak with officers at the scene are urged to come forward. Their input could help police complete their report on the Victoria City Hall incident.
As evening fell, traffic on Pandora Avenue remained suspended. Officers maintained a guard around the closing barriers. The public was reminded that safety measures sometimes cause delays. Police thanked the community for its patience and support.
