Sault police say a spit in the face sparked Chapple Road weapons call Thursday

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service headquarters. (File)

Someone spitting in the face of a victim escalated into a suspected weapons incident Thursday in Sault Ste. Marie.

There was a heavy police presence on Chapple Road following a 911 call around 10 a.m. about a firearm at a multi-unit residence. The incident ended around 1 p.m. with the arrests of two people, ages 28 and 30.

"Upon arrival, officers attempted to talk with everyone involved but the first accused refused to come out of the residence," Sault police said in a news release Friday.

Officers secured the scene and crisis negotiators arrived, along with members of the canine unit and investigation and patrol services.

Three people were eventually taken into custody, including the two accused.

"While under investigative detention, further investigation determined the first accused had spit in the face of a victim following a verbal dispute," police said.

"The first accused then left the area and went to another unit with the second accused. Officers also received information the second accused was in possession of weapon."

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The two suspects were later arrested and the third was released unconditionally.

"Officers executed a search warrant of the residence and a replica gun was located inside the residence," police said.

The first suspect, 28, was charged with assault and violating a probation order. The second accused, 30, is charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Both have since been released with a court date of Dec. 9.