Replica gun sparks high-risk police response in Vernon

A 56-year-old Vernon man was arrested Monday morning after police responded to reports of an individual seen holding a handgun while lying in the middle of 24th Avenue.

According to Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, a witness spotted the man around 7:45 a.m. in the 3900 block, noting he appeared uninjured but was struggling to stand while holding what looked like a firearm. Keeping a safe distance, the witness immediately called police.

RCMP supplied this stock photo of unrelated handguns that illustrates the difficulty distinguishing real weapon from fake

Multiple frontline officers rushed to what was treated as a high-risk situation.

The man complied with police commands and was taken into custody without incident. Officers recovered a silver revolver, later determining it was inoperable and loaded with blanks.

Police also released a photo illustrating how realistic replica firearms can appear, emphasizing the difficulty, even for trained officers, of distinguishing real weapons from fakes.

“If it looks like a gun, it’s treated like a gun,” said Const. Chris Terleski, RCMP spokesperson. “Imitation firearms like airsoft, BB and pellet guns, or even novelty lighters shaped like handguns, all pose significant risks. In public, they can easily lead to dangerous encounters because officers must act on what they see in the moment.”

The man was released from custody pending a future court date and is facing a charge of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose under Section 88 of the Criminal Code.