Charges recommended against BB gun owner

KAMLOOPS – After responding to a complaint of a man waving around a gun, police are recommending charges against three men arrested Monday afternoon at an Upper Sahali residence.

The resident, a 46-year-old man, was arrested after RCMP received a report of a drunk man with a handgun. The gun looked like a 9mm but turned out to be a replica BB gun.

The initial complaint police received stated the man with the gun was intoxicated. Cpl. Cheryl Bush, a spokesperson for the RCMP says he was not under the influence upon arrest.

Police are recommending a charge of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose against the BB gun owner. The fake gun caused fear in the community and drew a police response.

“In situations like this (replicas) can be perceived as real firearms,” Bush said in a press conference earlier today.

“It’s concerning because had this individual presented this weapon in the presence of police, things could have escalated.“

RCMP members also arrested a 41-year-old male in possession of a stun gun and a 40-year-old male with a substance suspected to be cocaine.

A woman was also taken into custody, but later released.

Bush said the three men will appear in court next week.

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