A report of a youth with a firearm in Nanaimo prompted a “significant” police response Thursday afternoon.
According to the police report, the incident occurred on Departure Bay Road.
Shortly after 11:50 a.m., police received multiple calls about a pedestrian who was seen walking along the roadway pointing a firearm at passing motorists.
The volume of calls and nature of the situation prompted a response police are describing as significant.
Neighbouring schools of Wellington Secondary, Departure Bay Elementary and Rock City Elementary were all put on Hold and Secures.
Nanaimo RCMP say they tracked down the youth just 33 minutes after the initial call to the 3800 block of Departure Bay Road and arrested him without incident.
A 14-year-old was taken into custody at the scene. After verifying that the young person was acting alone, the hold and secures were lifted.
Authorities say that the firearm in this instance was an airsoft rifle.
“This was an extremely tense and dynamic situation that could not have been resolved as quickly as it was without the cooperation of the general public and the schools involved”, said Retired Const. Gary O’Brien.
A 14-year-old was arrested for Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, where he remains in custody.
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Roger Collins
