A heavily armed member of the Vancouver Police emergency response team stands inside a community centre where a man held a three-year-old boy captive in Vancouver, B.C., in the early morning hours of Wednesday November 24, 2010.DARRYL DYCK
A three-year-old boy who police say was held hostage by a knife-wielding man has been released from hospital.
The boy was at a Vancouver community centre Tuesday night when police say the man stormed in carrying the weapon.
The man allegedly ripped the child out of his mother's arms and barricaded himself inside a bathroom with the boy.
Police arrived soon after and began negotiations that continued for several hours. Constable Lindsey Houghton, Vancouver police spokesman, said officers stormed the bathroom after the boy suffered a deep cut to his cheek.
The boy was taken to hospital for treatment, but police confirmed Wednesday that he has since been released.
Kyle Hepworth Jackson, 24, is charged with taking a hostage, aggravated assault, unlawful confinement, assault with a weapon and possession of a dangerous weapon.
The Ray-Cam Co-operative Community Centre held a news conference Wednesday morning to reassure parents the hostage-taking was an isolated incident.
"We want to recognize the Ray-Cam staff who took quick action, and the members of the community attending the centre at the time who co-operated and helped to ensure safety of the remaining participants," said Steve Bouchard, president of the centre's board of directors.
"The Ray-Cam board staff and members thoughts and well wishes are with the young boy and his family who remained calm throughout the incident."
Ariadne Armond, who brings her 11-year-old son to Ray-Cam for educational programs, said she doesn't have any plans to stop doing so.
"I think Ray-Cam in no way should close the doors. They've been here 30 years, this is the first time," she said.
"No one should be afraid."
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson released a statement commending the police response to the incident and sending his best wishes to the family.
"I'm sure I speak for everyone in the city when I say how relieved we are that the young boy was rescued," he said.