Police in Chilliwack arrested three of four youths allegedly involved in a confrontation involving a replica handgun over the weekend.
One of those youths, a 17-year-old local who is said to be well known to police despite not having a criminal record, has now been charged.
The RCMP were called to the scene near the intersection of Promontory Road and Teskey Road in Chilliwack around 12:45 am on Tuesday.
A member of the public told police that a group of four male youths made verbal threats before pointing a handgun at him.
Officers spotted the four suspects fleeing the scene and successfully arrested three of them following a foot pursuit.
The complainant identified one of the arrested males as the person that pointed the firearm at him.
“A search of the suspect revealed a tan replica Glock 19X handgun tucked into the waistband of his pants,” explained a Chilliwack RCMP release.
“There was no ability during the incident for the complainant, or responding officers, to know the firearm was a replica, which posed a serious risk to public safety.”
The 17-year-old Chilliwack youth was taken into custody and was released into the care of his guardian under court-imposed conditions following a bail hearing.
He’s been charged with assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
“This incident underscores the dangers posed by replica firearms and the importance of swift, coordinated police response,” explained Sgt. Alexandra Mulvihill.
“Police must treat all firearm-related reports as real and respond accordingly to protect the public. Individuals who openly carry replica firearms in public should expect a high-risk police response.”
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
