February 9, 2018

Multiple Incidents Involving Replica Firearms Put Public and Officers at Risk

New Westminster – Over the past couple of days, Metro Vancouver Transit Police officers have responded to two separate firearms calls involving, what were later discovered to be, replica style handguns that closely resembled real firearms.

On February 5, 2018, at approximately 11:00 am, Metro Vancouver Transit Police received a text message from a passenger reporting that they witnessed a male drop a handgun on the floor of a SkyTrain, on the Evergreen Extension, headed toward Coquitlam. The train was met at Moody Centre Station by both Metro Vancouver Transit Police and Port Moody Police officers, and a 41 year old man was taken into custody. The weapon involved was a black, Crossman C11 BB gun, which closely resembled a firearm.

On February 6, 2018, at approximately 8:40 pm, Transit Police responded to a report of a man openly cleaning a hand gun on a SkyTrain heading eastbound from New Westminster. Transit Police officers checked the train at Scott Road Station, located the 18 year old suspect and a black, .177 Cal, BB CO2 pistol. The pistol could easily have been mistaken for a legitimate firearm.

There were no charges sought in these incidents, but both individuals were cautioned. In addition to these two incidents, a third replica firearm, a black “Beretta” airsoft pistol, was located in the trunk of a vehicle during a Metro Vancouver Transit Police investigation, February 5, 2018, adjacent to our Surrey Central Station.

Replica firearms are very often incredibly realistic in appearance and, when displayed or possessed on the Transit system, it is human nature for people to react as if it is a real weapon. All reports involving a firearm require a police response that can put the public, the police and the suspect in danger and create fear and panic in public places. Unnecessary tragedies can occur all too easily. Replica firearms should NOT be carried on the Transit system.

Transit Police would like to thank the witnesses in both circumstances for their quick response in reporting these incidents to Transit Police.

Text us directly and discreetly at 87.77.77 or call us at 604.515.8300. See Something, Say Something!