Three Hamilton police officers are in hospital after they were stabbed while responding to a call for a person in crisis on Tuesday afternoon.

Police said they were dispatched to the area of James and Mulberry streets in downtown Hamilton at around 3 p.m. after receiving reports about an individual who was in possession of a weapon and acting erratically.

Witnesses told CP24 they saw a man harassing people and causing a commotion in the area, trying to hug one person and chasing another down the block while screaming at him.

Officers arrived at the scene and engaged the man and that’s when three of them sustained stab wounds to their necks and heads, police said.

One woman said she watched police tackle the man until he was face down on the ground.

“I heard the police officers say, ‘drop the knife, drop the knife’ multiple times while they were all on top of him,” she said. “But I didn't see how they were able to subdue him.”

She said it took about five minutes for officers to restrain him and about half an hour later he was put into an ambulance.

The officers were then transported to hospital in stable condition, where they remain.

The 24-year-old suspect from Oakville was also taken to hospital with unspecified injuries.

He has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, four counts of resisting arrest and one count of weapons dangerous, police said Tuesday evening. So far, they are not naming him.

Hamilton police say the investigation remains ongoing.

“We appeal to the public especially in this circumstance,” Hamilton police media relations officer Krista-Lee Ernst told reporters at the scene. “Anyone that was a witness that may have been walking by and local businesses if they have video surveillance and their business may have been closed we ask if they could please review it for any evidence and please contact Hamilton police.”

Footage from the scene on Tuesday afternoon showed a Taser lying on the ground with its prongs deployed.

Police, however, have not confirmed whether officers used the weapon while attempting to subdue the suspect.

The province’s police watchdog confirmed to CP24 that they have not invoked their mandate, which they automatically do whenever police are involved in a death or serious injury.

Meanwhile, officials in other jurisdictions quickly offered messages of support for the officers.

On Twitter, Peel Regional Police said that incidents like the one in downtown Hamilton on Tuesday afternoon are a “are a stark reminder of how quickly things can change and that there are no routine calls.” They said that are praying for the “speedy recovery” of the officers.

Toronto Mayor John Tory also offered his sympathies while speaking with CP24 during a year-end interview late Tuesday afternoon.

“I hope they are well,” he said of the officers. “Those men and women go out every single day and they have some incredible experiences, including those that lead to injury and sometimes worse. So I just hope that they are all well.”

Police say that the Special Investigations Unit has not invoked its mandate in connection with the incident.