ON Tuesday, May 26 at approximately 8:15 p.m., a passerby noticed a male who they believed to be in possession of a handgun in the parking garage at 800 Carnarvon Street near New Westminster SkyTrain Station.
New Westminster Police responded and contained the area. The male was safely taken into custody and found to be in possession of a holstered replica firearm and magazines. He was transported to hospital to be treated for existing injuries and was released on an undertaking with numerous firearm-related conditions.
The incident caused a temporary disruption to the area, including the transit system. Police thanked the public for their patience while this matter was being resolved.
“These types of incidents are extremely dynamic, and measures were put into place to make sure that the public were kept safe as the event unfolded,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver.
The incident required numerous police resources, and the New Westminster Police Department thanked the RCMP Integrated Police Dog Services, the Metro Vancouver Transit Police, and the Burnaby RCMP for their assistance.
When police respond to any call involving a firearm, it is treated as legitimate until an investigation can determine otherwise. “These replicas look extremely realistic, and being in possession of them can have serious consequences,” said Leaver. For the safety of our communities, New Westminster Police say they strongly discourage the purchase and use of these items.
