A police tactical team remains in a standoff in a Montreal neighbourhood with a man who barricaded himself in his home more than 20 hours ago and shot at officers.


More than 10 homes and several apartment units surrounding the scene remained blocked off by police as they work to convince the 72-year-old man holed up inside to surrender. Neighbours say the man is a retired university professor.


“The only thing the Montreal police want is for this to end peacefully and for the man to come out, surrender, and he’s going to be taken care of by the police officers outside,” said Montreal police Const. Daniel Lacoursière.


The incident started Tuesday morning after police were called about a dispute involving a firearm, between a man and workers on his property.


After the tactical squad arrived at about 11:30 a.m. ET, the man fired at least two shots in their direction, police said.


One officer was injured in the foot, although Const. Anie Lemieux said the injury was minor and the officer was able to continue his role in the operation.


No officers have been inside the house and they haven’t been in communication with the man for some time.


Man said to possess firearms


On Wednesday morning, the Sûreté du Québec’s armoured vehicle was brought in, and started work to break through the front door of the home.


A short time later, several detonations were heard.


CBC’s Marie-Claude Cabana said those were attributed to police punching holes in the walls of the home and throwing in irritant gas to try and force the occupant out.


The man, who is also a gun collector, has numerous firearms registered in his name, according to Montreal police.


It’s unclear how many guns the man has in the home.