Saanich police on Vernon Avenue Sunday, following reports of a man with a weapon.
An airsoft rifle has been seized by Saanich police after they responded to a weapon call Sunday on Vernon Avenue.
Police in Saanich went to the area after receiving reports of a man walking around with a possible rifle slung over his arm just after 11:45 a.m. near the Save-on-Foods store.
Officers arrived on the scene with weapons drawn and briefly detained a man in his mid-30s.
The weapon was discovered to be an airsoft rifle, which may not have been able to be fired.
Police say there is no threat to the public and the individual was not acting maliciously.
“It’s not detectable as a toy until members arrive,” said Sgt. John Semkiw of the Saanich Police. “It’s right up there with some of the most dangerous calls we can go to… [we made sure] the person who was in possession understands the jeopardy they not only put the public in by causing a concern but the jeopardy they put themselves in.”
Charges are not being laid at this time.
Julian Kolsut
