A local man got the scare of a lifetime after having a weapon pointed at him in downtown New Westminster.
The man came to the police station at 7:40 p.m. on July 6 saying that he had been “threatened with a firearm,” said the New Westminster Police Department.
“The victim said that the suspect was still in the area, only a short distance away from the police station,” which is located at 555 Columbia St.
A detailed description of the suspect was provided and police officers ran to search the area. A man matching the suspect description was found nearby and as he was being taken into custody a firearm fell from his jacket, police say.
“Upon closer inspection officers learned this was a very realistic imitation handgun,” said Sgt. Jeff Scott. “These imitation guns can be indistinguishable from the real thing. We photographed this imitation handgun next to a real one, so people can see for themselves how closely they appear.”
This is the third occurrence NWPD have investigated in the past six weeks involving a replica firearm.
Charges have been recommended to Crown counsel for assault with a weapon, possession for a dangerous purpose, and carry a concealed weapon.
