A man, age 59, has been arrested after he tucked a replica handgun into his pants at the Greater Victoria Public Library in Langford.
The West Shore RCMP responded to a call on Jan. 2 from a complainant at the library after the male suspect had allegedly pointed to his waistband, which had the firearm present.
The RCMP said in a statement that there were no threats made towards the person who had filed the complaint but had become alarmed and filed a report.
The suspect had left the area before the RCMP had arrived, but the RCMP, along with assistance from the Oak Bay Police, were able to identify the suspect on Jan. 3 as a resident of Oak Bay.
The man was then arrested for Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purposes.
“Though the handgun turned out to be a replica, it had the look, feel and weight of a real handgun. Additionally, it was carried and displayed in a manner to make it appear real. This is very concerning behaviour and charges are being pursued against the suspect,” said Cpl. Nancy Saggar, West Shore RCMP media relations officer.
The suspect was released on the undertaking that he was not to attend the library and not to have a firearm or prohibited weapon. He is to attend court in the upcoming months.
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