A "resource-intensive, high-priority" response was prompted when officers from the Victoria Police Department responded to what they thought was a man carrying a gun at Hillside Shopping Centre. It was later revealed to be a pellet gun resembling an authentic handgun.
On Sunday, Jan. 19, VicPD received a report of a man who had what appeared to be a real firearm tucked in his waistband.
"Due to the high volume of civilians in the area and the potential threat posed by a real firearm, this was deemed a high-risk situation, prompting a priority response from several VicPD officers," noted a news release from VicPD.
Duane Gerrad, who was prohibited from possessing weapons and being at the shopping centre as a result of court-ordered conditions, has been charged with one count of carrying a concealed weapon, one count of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, one count of failing to comply with a release order and one count of failing to comply with a probation order.
Gerrad was located inside the mall and arrested without incident according to police; and once in custody, the firearm was seized and determined to be a pellet gun.
"This incident highlights the ongoing concern posed by replica firearms, which officers continue to encounter in the course of their duties," noted the release. "Officers treat all firearms as real until proven otherwise, and for everyone’s safety, we urge the public not to carry imitation firearms."
Gerrad is being held in custody, pending a court appearance on Monday, Jan. 20.
