NEW Westminster Police responded to a 9-1-1 call about a man carrying what looked like a long gun and trying door handles at homes in the West End on February 10.

While officers were setting up containment a man matching the suspect description exited a residence nearby and was taken into custody without incident. Officers used a drone to conduct an interior check of the residence to ensure it was safe for police to enter. The item was confirmed to be an airsoft rifle.

“Replica firearms can cause significant fear in the community and prompt a large police response,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “In this instance it was helpful to deploy our drone to provide our officers with situational awareness and ensure everyone’s safety.”

After speaking with the man, police will not be recommending charges. Officers would like to remind everyone that for the safety of the public, police must treat firearms as real until they can be proven to be replicas.