Toy gun causes big response

Photo: Rebecca Rossi

Police responded in force after a report of man with a gun in the Glenmore area Saturday evening.

Const. Jesse O'Donaghey said police detained four individuals after reports were received of a man seen pointing a handgun at a residence in the 2400 block of Longhill Road.

The call came in at 7:48 p.m. April 30.

“The suspect, who was associated to a vehicle, had departed the area prior to the arrival of police on scene. Officers made contact with the owner of the residence and entered the home to ensure everyone inside was safe. A short time later, investigators located the suspect vehicle and detained the four occupants inside,” said O'Donaghey, adding police determined the firearm observed by witnesses was an Airsoft pistol. All four persons detained were released from custody and are not currently facing any charges.

"When reports of this nature are made, police must respond accordingly to ensure both the safety of the public and the safety of the responding officers," said O'Donaghey. "There is always the real possibility that a police officer may perceive a deadly threat and respond with irreversible consequences.

"Appropriate safety measures should always be taken when using firearms, air soft guns, pellet guns, paintball guns or anything that may be perceived to be a firearm.”

O'Donaghey said when being transported in a vehicle, these items should be secured in a case in the trunk of the vehicle and never handled by occupants of the vehicle. Most importantly they should only be used in designated areas only, such as gun club ranges, paintball ranges, etc.