This is an example of a replica MP5 vs. a real MP5. Can you tell the difference?
Real gun or not?
That was the situation faced by Vernon Mounties who responded to a report of a man with a gun in Polson Park Tuesday evening.
Officers located the man, who admitted to having MP5 and M4 Carbine airsoft guns in his possession, but denied brandishing the weapons in any manner.
Cst. Kelly Brett says officers, from time to time, are confronted with situations like this, and respond accordingly based on the information they are presented with.
“There are many unknown factors and concerns when approaching a person reportedly having a firearm in their possession. It is incredibly important for people to realize that airsoft weapons can look and feel very real, and pose great risk to those who have them in their possession when not in a controlled environment.”
Brett tells Beach Radio News, officers have to treat any gun report very seriously.
“It’s very important that people understand, a police officer is going to respond based on the information they know, and if that is what they see in front of them, they are going to treat that weapon as a real weapon until they can confirm otherwise.”
Brett is not aware if officers had their guns drawn during the incident.
“However, given the circumstances, they had every right to do so. To protect themselves and the public, they are going to use whatever force is necessary.”
A 23 year old Vernon man was cooperative with police, but was issued a $500 fine under The City of Vernon Firearms and Weapons Bylaw.
“It wasn’t criminal in nature. The person didn’t use the weapon in any manner that would have been deemed a criminal investigation, therefore the officers and City of Vernon bylaw officers, decided to go that route,” adds Brett.
