Two men are apologetic after their actions with an airsoft rifle caused a police response in Saanich Monday night.
At around 7 p.m., April 24th, Saanich Police were alerted that two people were seen walking along a pathway at Balmacarra Park and then down to the beach carrying a long gun.
Responding officers spotted the men getting into a vehicle and executed a high-risk traffic stop before the vehicle could pulled away.
Police located the long-gun in the trunk of the vehicle and determined it to be an airsoft rifle.
The men told officers they were target shooting down on the beach and were “immediately very apologetic for generating a police response and concern amongst the community.”
“Please remember that police treat all firearms as if they are a real threat until deemed otherwise, and that calls like this put the public and police at significant risk,” said Cst. Markus Anastasiades.
“There are currently no indoor or outdoor spaces in Saanich where the public can discharge any firearm or crossbow, which include pellet or bb guns, except in very specific situations.”
Both men were released without charges and the rifle was seized by police.
