A 30-year-old Esquimalt man caused panic last night after he set off an explosive device in an argument with a persistent neighbour.

The Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team was called to the just after midnight, responding to reports of a shot fired.

Police identified the suite where the shot originated and cordoned off a large area. A man then exited the suite but refused to listen to police, said Const. Mike Russell.

"Due to the serious nature of the call and possibility of a firearm still being at large, the man was taken into custody by the GVERT with use of a non-lethal weapon," Russell said in a statement.

Police used an anti-riot gun, which launches foam-like canisters, to subdue the man. He was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure but suffered no serious injuries during his arrest, Russell said.

Police then located a "bear boomer" device inside the suite, which the man used to scare off a neighbour who had been repeatedly knocking on his door, according to police.

"It uses an explosive charge and sounds just like a gunshot," Russell said.

Officers are recommending a charge of mischief against a 30-year-old Esquimalt man.

dpalmer@vicnews.com