An investigation continues into a trio of Port Moody suspects who were found with a replica long rifle.
Port Moody police (PMPD) tells the Tri-City News charges of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose "are being examined" after reports of an apparent long gun led to the arrest of three men on Thursday (March 24).
The replica turned out to be a pellet gun, said Const. Sam Zacharias.
While all three have since been released pending the investigation, he explained the department is trying to figure out why the men had it in the first place.
"These replica firearms look very real and are often indistinguishable from real guns," Zacharias said in an interview with the Tri-City News today (March 25).
"Police will always treat these calls seriously to maintain public safety. Though it may not be illegal to acquire these types of weapons, it does not necessarily make them legal to possess publicly."
Calls came in to the PMPD around 6 p.m. last night as residents saw one man among three standing together holding an alleged long rifle near the intersection of Elgin and Hope streets — two blocks east of Port Moody Secondary.
Officers on scene blocked off the immediate neighbourhood to mitigate potential risks to public safety.
Zacharias said it was not clear which of the suspects was carrying the firearm.
For this reason, all three were taken into custody and are cooperating with police.
Local traffic was reopened at 7:30 p.m. following some delays to commuters.
The PMPD is now turning to the public in hopes witnesses can come forward and speak to the investigation.
Anyone with more information on this incident is encouraged to call Port Moody police at 604-461-3456.
This is the second time in as many months police in Port Moody arrested a suspect for use of a replica firearm.
On Feb. 2, a man involved in a road rage incident allegedly threatened another driver with an apparent handgun.
