ON November 7 at approximately 8:45 p.m., New Westminster Police arrested a suspect after a 9-1-1 caller reported seeing a youth with a firearm. According to the caller, the youth had placed the firearm in the waistband of his pants after it had fallen to the ground near the Columbia SkyTrain Station.

Officers rushed to the scene, located someone matching the suspect description, and the 16-year-old youth was arrested without incident.

After closer inspection, it was determined the firearm was a replica.

“We’d like to thank the person who called 9-1-1,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “If you ever see anything that causes you concern for the safety of others we ask that you make the call.”

This file remains under active investigation. The New Westminster Police Department is again urging the public to stop and consider the dangers of replica or imitation firearms which can lead to criminal charges when used improperly.

Police say that for public and officer safety, when they respond to any call involving a firearm, it is treated as legitimate until an investigation can determine otherwise. The New Westminster Police Department strongly discourages use or display of these items in public spaces.