Two men were briefly arrested after being spotted with a replica rifle near Royal Roads University Thursday (April 27) afternoon, prompting a brief lockdown on campus and at neighbouring John Stubbs Memorial School.
In a news release published Friday, the West Shore RCMP said two men, one 20 and the other 21, were initially arrested for possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose after responding to a call of two men in a car with a long gun around 2:30 p.m. Thursday.
The men were arrested around 3:30 p.m., and the lockdowns were lifted.
Through their investigation, police determined the reported long gun was in fact a realistic-looking replica. The men told investigators they had recently purchased the airsoft rifle and were in the wooded area to test it out.
Police said at no point was the rifle pointed at anyone or used to intimidate or threaten anyone.
Both men told police they understood the fear and concern they had brought about by carrying the airsoft rifle near a school and surrendered it to police and apologised for their actions. They were released from custody without charges.
“We would like to remind the public that although replica firearms themselves are not illegal, if they are used in the commission of an offence you can be facing weapons-related charges. Please be mindful of your actions and surroundings when possessing such items,” said Cpl. Nancy Saggar, West Shore RCMP spokesperson.
In a tweet Thursday afternoon, Royal Roads confirmed the situation had been resolved and shared links to counselling services available for students and staff.
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