Kelowna

Update: 10:31 a.m.

Sgt Wade Seversen
Kelowna RCMP Det

At about 7:30 a.m. this morning, March 14, 2013, a police officer observed a vehicle traveling the wrong way on Leon Avenue, in Kelowna. The driver and lone occupant, a man about 20 years old from Alberta,  was dressed in black clothing wearing a holster. The vehicle was stopped and the officer, concerned for her safety, withdrew and displayed her firearm. He cooperated fully when detained and ordered out of the vehicle. He was very apologetic to have caused the safety concern and explained the air soft pistol in the holster was being carried to a forestry area to play airsoft games. He also had dog spray with him for his protection against wild animals. None of the items he had in his possession were illegal to possess. He was issued a violation ticket under the British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act for driving the wrong way on a one way street and went on his way.

It was an incident that appeared much more dangerous at first glance.

Kelowna RCMP pulled over a burgundy Volvo with Alberta licence plates after it was spotted going the wrong way on Leon Avenue.

When officers approached the driver, they saw some ‘suspicious activity’.

“He was wearing black fatigues and (the officer) noticed what she thought was a firearm, but it turned out to be an imitation firearm,” says Cst. Bruce Brydon.

While searching the vehicle they found three knives, four firearms and a can of bear spray. They also pulled what appeared to be a bulletproof vest from the back seat, but it was later confirmed to be more of a paintball type vest.

The driver who is believed to be in his early 20’s was ticketed for various driving infractions and then released.