Unconscious man had loaded gun, say Vernon RCMP

OD'd with loaded gun

Photo: Jon Manchester

Police responding to an overdose on 27th Street in Vernon seized a loaded firearm from the unconscious man.

About 5:30 a.m. Thursday, RCMP responded to the scene on the 4500 block after a passer-by who came to the man's aid reported a loaded firearm in his possession.

"When the bystander began to administer first aid, they found what appeared to be a firearm strapped to the man's body, underneath his coat," says Vernon RCMP spokesperson Cost. Chris Terleski.

"Police were called, and frontline officers responded immediately to the scene and seized a .22-calibre firearm and loaded magazine. The responding officer administered a dose of nasal naloxone to the man, who later regained consciousness and was transported to hospital."

The 23-year-old Vernon man was released from custody and faces a number of potential firearms-related charges.

Police continue to investigate the incident.