Police in Vernon are warning the public about the dangers of displaying replica firearms after officers responded to a high-risk situation involving a realistic-looking weapon.
On Monday, Dec. 8, RCMP responded to a high-risk scene after receiving a report of a man with a firearm lying on the street in the 3900 block of 24 Ave. in Vernon.
Multiple officers located the suspect who possessed a silver revolver that did not work and was loaded with blanks.
“Even though Halloween is behind us, imitation and replica firearms are still around,” Constable Chris Terleski said.
The man complied with police and was safely arrested without further incident.
“If it looks like a gun, it’s treated like a gun,” Terleski said. “Firearms complaints are taken seriously, and to ensure the safety of the public and our officers, all firearms are treated as real and loaded until proven otherwise. Police officers act and intervene based on the information available to them at the time.”
He added that imitation guns, such as airsoft, BB and pellet guns, as well as cigarette lighters shaped like handguns pose a significant risk because distinguishing between a real and fake weapon is nearly impossible.
“Having them in public can potentially lead to a dangerous encounter with police,” he said.
