There were some tense moments for bystanders in a residential area in the City of Edmonton as a drunk, drugged man went on a crime spree with a screwdriver..Around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Edmonton Police Service (EPS) officers responded to several mischief-related incidents involving various businesses in the area of 28 Ave. and 65 St..It was reported to police a 40-year-old male, under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, had initially been removed from the waiting room at a nearby hospital by security for causing a disturbance..Shortly thereafter, various 911 calls were received from a nearby liquor store, fast food restaurant and health-care clinic, where the accused male had assaulted employees with bottles of alcohol, thrown tables and chairs and set off fire alarms..The male then went to the Mill Woods Town Centre Transit Station, where he unsuccessfully attempted to break the bus driver’s protective shield..The accused then fled on foot to another nearby fast food burger restaurant where he reportedly threatened employees with a screwdriver, before starting the business on fire as police arrived.."EPS officers were required to breach a staff room door to arrest the accused and rescue him from succumbing to the fire. The male was treated and transported to hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries," EPS said..Paul Piche, 40, is facing multiple charges including several counts each of assault with a weapon, mischief and arson. The accused was also wanted on six outstanding criminal warrants.."Thankfully, no innocent bystanders, employees or first responders sustained injuries during the crime spree," EPS said.
