Vernon man arrested after shots heard in BX area

VERNON – A 24-year-old Vernon man was arrested yesterday, Sept. 23, after a family dispute led to an imitation gun being fired and a full lockdown of the area being conducted by the RCMP.

According to Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media release, police received several reports of gunfire and a disturbance in the 6000 block of Rimer Rd, in the BX area of Vernon, just before 11 a.m. 

RCMP officers cordoned off the area and could be seen with their weapons drawn as they assessed who was involved and whether firearms were present.

The RCMP successfully locked down the area and brought two males and one female into custody. The release says three people were involved in a family dispute and an imitation firearm was allegedly fired during the incident.

Police later seized from a residence numerous imitation firearms and 9-millimetre magazines with ammunition.

"Calls of this nature will generate a large police presence and we recognize that can be alarming for the neighbourhood to see," RCMP Const. Kelly Brett said in the release. 

A 24-year-old man is scheduled for court in November and is facing possible charges of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. The two women were released from custody with no charge.

"The mishandling of imitation firearms can lead to serious Criminal Code offences and will result in considerable police response," RCMP Supt. Shawna Baher said in the release. "Our police officers will treat every firearm as real until they can prove they are not."

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