The West Shore RCMP said a man was arrested in Oak Bay with help from local police after he was reportedly spotted carrying a handgun in a Langford library.
Mounties were called to the Greater Victoria Public Library branch at 119-755 Goldstream Ave. on Jan. 2, after a caller said he spoke with a man in the Langford library, who pointed to a handgun tucked into his waistband while they were speaking.
“There were no threats made against the complainant in this incident, but the complainant was alarmed and called police,” said RCMP in a release Friday.
The man left before officers arrived, but investigators were later able to identify the suspect as a 59-year-old resident of Oak Bay.
West Shore RCMP and Oak Bay police then executed a search warrant at the man’s home on Jan. 3.
Inside, police say they found a replica handgun and arrested the man for unauthorized possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
“Though the handgun turned out to be a replica, it had the look, feel and weight of a real handgun,” said Cpl. Nancy Saggar with the West Shore RCMP.
“Additionally, it was carried and displayed in [a] manner to make it appear real. This is very concerning behaviour and charges are being pursued against the suspect,” she said.
The man has since been released on conditions, including not to attend a library and not to possess a firearm or prohibited weapon.
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Adam Chan
