Nanaimo RCMP arrested three men within two hours after they responded to calls in the 100 block of Cavan Street.
According to police officers responded to the calls on the morning of July 24 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10:30 after they received reports of a large fight with witnesses claiming to have seen a handgun.
RCMP say an airsoft pistol was in a grocery bag, but they were unable to determine if the weapon had been used in a threatening manner.
RCMP say they arrested two men during the first incident, a 19-year-old man, who had outstanding warrants for assault causing bodily and the second adult man was taken into custody after becoming agitated, he was released several hours later once he was deemed sober.
The second incident happened in the same area, the 100 block of Cavan Street, around 10:30 a.m. after witnesses claim they saw a 29-year-old man branding what appeared to be a handgun. He was arrested shortly after and was found to be in possession of a flare gun which was modified to fire 22 caliber bullets.
Police say he was charged with possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace and other firearms-related charges.
RCMP say they have remanded Ardnt to appear in Nanaimo Provincial Court on yesterday and will remain in custody until Monday.
Retired constable Gary O’Brien said in a media release these reports are very serious, but police have received training to deal with these particular incidents.
“Both these incidents are considered high risk as firearms were involved and required numerous officers to attend to and deal with safely,” he says. “Nanaimo residents should take comfort knowing RCMP are trained, and capable to deal with these situations.”
The airsoft pistol and converted flare guns will eventually be destroyed.
