Friday January 5, 2024 | LANGFORD, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Earlier this week, West Shore RCMP responded to a report of a man who was seen with what appeared to be a handgun tucked into the waistband of his pants.
The incident on Tuesday January 2 took place inside the Greater Victoria Public Library located at 119-755 Goldstream Ave in downtown Langford, says RCMP Media Relations Officer Cpl Nancy Saggar.
“The Complainant advised police that during a brief conversation with the male suspect, he pointed to his waistband and there appeared to be a hand gun tucked into his pants. There were no threats made against the complaint in this incident, but the complaint was alarmed and called police,” as reported by the West Shore RCMP in a news release today.
Cooperation with Oak Bay police:
As reported by RCMP, the suspect left the area prior to police arrival. However, West Shore RCMP frontline officers were able to determine the identity of the male suspect who is a resident of Oak Bay.
With assistance from West Shore RCMP Serious Crime Unit and Oak Bay Police, West Shore frontline officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Oak Bay on January 3.
Police searched the residence and recovered a replica handgun.
Man arrested:
A 59-year-old man was arrested for Unauthorized Possession of Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose.
The suspect was released on an Undertaking with conditions to not attend the library and not to be in possession of a firearm or prohibited weapon, he is to attend court in the upcoming months.
Replica handguns appear to be real:
Though the handgun turned out to be a replica, it had the look, feel and weight of a real handgun. Additionally, it was carried and displayed in manner to make it appear real, says West Shore RCMP.
“This is very concerning behaviour and charges are being pursued against the suspect,” said Cpl Saggar.
[RCMP File # 2024-95]
