New Westminster police are recommending charges against a driver who allegedly pointed a handgun at another motorist in a road rage incident.
The New Westminster Police Department reports that it received a 911 call about 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25, in which a driver claimed another motorist had pointed a handgun at him while on the Queensborough Bridge.
New West police officers located the suspect vehicle near the intersection of 20th Street and Eighth Avenue within five minutes of receiving the 911 call. Officers approached the vehicle and took the driver into custody.
According to a NWPD press release, a firearm that was in plain view inside the vehicle was seized. Upon closer inspection of the firearm, it was determined to be a replica.
“These frontline officers performed a high-risk arrest because these replica firearms are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing,” Deputy Chief Const. Paul Hyland said in a news release. “Our police officers will treat them as real until they can prove they’re not.”
The New Westminster Police Department reports that weapons-related offences are being recommended against the man, who was released from custody. Police say “strict conditions” were imposed as part of his release.
NWPD spokesperson Sgt. Sanjay Kumar said the 27-year-old New Westminster resident’s release conditions include that he is not permitted to possess a firearm (including an imitation firearm), cross-bow, prohibited or restricted weapons, prohibited devices and ammunition.
