On Saturday, December 15, at 11:00 p.m., Kings District RCMP were conducting a check-stop in the area of Three Rivers. During the check-stop of one vehicle, officers observed open liquor and then detained the occupants for open alcohol in the vehicle. During the subsequent search for alcohol in the vehicle, one officer observed what he believed to be a handgun on the driver's side floor and immediately arrested the three occupants of the car for Possession of a Firearm.
After the occupants of the vehicle were secured, officers determined that handgun was an air-soft pistol. The photo attached provides context as to how realistic the gun in question seemed at the time. The three people involved were later released, and received Summary Offence Tickets under Liquor Control Act in relation to the open liquor in the vehicle.
The RCMP would like to remind owners of air-soft and/or pellet guns that they should transport them in an appropriate case in a secure part of the vehicle (ie. trunk). The striking similarity in the look of these items will cause police to respond with the assumption that it is a gun and is a risk to themselves and members of the public. Please use common sense when in possession of items that are likely to be believed to be a weapon and ensure that they are stored properly so that a simple lack of good planning doesn't end badly. If it looks THIS much like a gun, it will be treated as such until officers can determine the safety of everyone involved.