(CARLI BERRY / iNFOnews.ca)
June 30, 2020 - 10:53 AM
Vernon RCMP officers were quick to respond to gunfire complaints last week, however the complaints turned out to be false.
Officers called to a report of gun shots in the Tronson Road area shortly after 5 p.m. Saturday, June 27, issued a warning to a group of men who were caught setting off fireworks and who had an airsoft rifle, according to an RCMP media release.
"During a high risk incident, the public will often see our officers donning extra protective gear, such as hard body armour, and arming themselves with carbine rifles," said Vernon RCMP spokesperson Const. Kelly Brett, in the news release. "This is done for the protection of the officers and public until the threat can be identified and de-escalated."
A public alert was not issued as officers were able to quickly locate the group, RCMP said.
Police said the men were apologetic about their actions.
The RCMP warns airsoft weapons can look and feel real, and they pose a risk to people who use them in an uncontrolled environment.
"Police treat every weapons complaint as high risk until determined otherwise," Brett said.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2020