Imitation pistols and weapons should be properly secured and kept out of sight, says the Coquitlam RCMP, after two airsoft guns were spotted during a routine road block last weekend.
Const. Deanna Law said the incident occurred at 4:15 a.m. on Sunday when an 18-year-old motorist was stopped at an impaired driving checkpoint at Maryhill Bypass and Shaughnessy Street. When the driver stepped out of the vehicle, an officer saw what looked like a gun in the driver side door pocket, she added.
“It is shocking how real the airsoft pistols can look, and the misunderstandings that can occur,” Law told the Tri-City News.
No one was arrested and charges are not being considered in the incident.
Law said it is not illegal to carry an airsoft gun, which shoots spherical plastic projectiles, and there are no rules about safe storage during transportation.
Still, she added that people should use common sense when storing them in vehicles.
“The key message to the public is definitely to keep all imitation guns and weapons out of sight,” she said. “This will eliminate any misunderstandings, accidents or thefts.”
