Hwy 1 was shut yesterday after a woman reported having a gun pointed at her car between Sicamous and Salmon Arm.
She called 911 at about 3 pm after seeing what she said was a man aiming a rifle at her as she drove east near Bernie Road.
Mounties from both Sicamous and Salmon Arm quickly oversaw the closure of the highway in both directions to block the public’s access to the area.
A man matching the woman’s description was soon found, but police said he was carrying only a metal pipe.
“The man, who police determined had been hitchhiking, was not in possession of any firearms upon his arrest,” Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey said.
“However, further investigation revealed that he had been holding up a metal pipe, which officers believe could have been easily mistaken by a passing motorist as resembling the barrel of a firearm.”
The highway was closed for 40 minutes during the search for the man.
“RCMP wish to thank all those who were impacted by the emergency highway closure, for their patience and understanding as our officers worked to ensure their personal safety and well-being,” added Cpl. O’Donaghey.
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