Photo: RCMP

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP seized several weapons after a suspicious male found sleeping in a vehicle.

UPDATE 2:51 p.m.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP seized several weapons after a suspicious male was found sleeping in a vehicle.

Const. Kelly Brett said on Dec. 6, just before 10 a.m., police were called to a suspicious male sleeping in a vehicle located in the parking lot of Okanagan Landing Plaza on 25th Avenue.

“Upon arrival, officers found a lone male sleeping in the driver seat of a vehicle, who had allegedly been there for over three hours,” said Brett.
When speaking to the male driver, officers observed what they believed to be a long gun in the rear of the vehicle and placed the driver under arrest for officer safety.

Through further investigation and search of the vehicle, officers located numerous weapons including an antique revolver, a .22 calibre rifle, ammunition, numerous knives and imitation weapons.

“Investigators had the authority to seize the weapons from the vehicle, however, insufficient grounds existed that would permit further contemplation of possible charges against the 26-year-old male driver from Surrey. The diligence exercised by the initiating officers permitted us to remove these weapons from circulation amongst the criminal element," said Brett.

UPDATE 1:26 p.m.

A witness has told Castanet the 'firearm' people saw on the ground was actually a paintball rifle.

“I was there when the individual was taken into custody and when the two RCMP searched the vehicle. The imitation rifle (paintball) was removed from a suitcase by the RCMP and placed on the ground,” the witness told Castanet.

Castanet is waiting for an official response from RCMP

Castanet has been contacted by several people about a police action at the Okanagan Landing Plaza Thursday morning.

Witnesses have told Castanet police were searching a tan-coloured SUV and there were firearms on the ground beside the vehicle.

Castanet has contacted Vernon RCMP who indicated information on the incident is forthcoming.

Castanet will have more information as soon as it becomes available.