Man arrested in park with possible gun
Replica handgun seized by Kelowna RCMP (submitted photo)
A man was arrested after walking into a Kelowna park Wednesday with what looked like a handgun.
City security personnel alerted the RCMP when they saw a man who was carrying what looked like a concealed handgun, enter Kerry Park around 11:30 a.m. June 21
Given the site and potential danger, numerous police units including the RCMP Police Dog Services attended quickly and took the person into custody.
The police investigation revealed the man, who is experiencing homelessness and suffers from a variety of issues, purchased a replica BB handgun from a downtown tactical store, opened it and decided to carry it around.
“While no criminal offence has technically taken place here, although arguably very close, these are extremely concerning sets of circumstances that could have ended very differently,” Cpl. Michael Gauthier, media relations officer, said
RCMP released the man without charges and helped him to get some assistance.
The replica handgun was seized and will be submitted for destruction, due to public safety concerns.
“Fortunately we have vigilant local security in our downtown core and proficient officers who resolved this report quickly and safely. Thank you to the members of the public who cooperated with police during this dynamic situation,” Gauthier remarked.