A teen was arrested on Tuesday after exiting a Metro Vancouver bus with what looked like a handgun sticking out of his jacket.
The 17 year old was spotted by fellow passengers, who in turn notified Metro Vancouver Transit Police. Officers approached the youth around 1:30 in the morning at the bus loop by the Braid Street SkyTrain Station. Officers noticed the butt of the gun sticking out of the youth’s pocket and the suspect was arrested as he tried to walk past officers.
The replica gun seized by police (Photo Credit: TransLink)
A loaded, replica style, .177 calibre, Elite II air pistol was recovered. The gun closely resembles a Beretta handgun. The teen was with his 15 year old girlfriend at the time and she said that the youth had purchased the gun earlier that day. The couple had been walking from Coquitlam to New Westminster and took turns shooting bottles, cans and street signs with it, while consuming alcohol.
A check of the suspect determined that he had been reported as a missing person by his foster parents. Both teenagers were released to their foster parents after questioning and the incident is still under investigation.
“Witnesses on the bus indicated that they had been frightened and extremely uncomfortable at the sight of the gun,” said Trankslink. “The display of replica guns not only creates the same level of anxiety for those in the area but also requires a level of police response that can endanger the public, police and the suspect. The witnesses are to be commended for their quick reporting of this incident.”
If you get value from KelownaNow and believe local independent media is important to our community we ask that you please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter.
If you appreciate what we do, we ask that you consider supporting our local independent news platform.
