On Feb. 19 just after 5 p.m., Smithers RCMP received a complaint of three males in a car with a handgun.
The complainant was able to provide a description of the vehicle, which led to police locating the car traveling westbound on Highway 97 near Trout Creek. Smithers RCMP members performed a high risk takedown of the vehicle's occupants: a 37-year-old male and two 27-year-old males. The men were taken into custody without incident.
A search of the vehicle located three AirSoft BB guns, one replicating a Colt .45-style pistol and one replicating a carbine assault rifle. No actual firearms were located in the vehicle. The men were released without charges.
Smithers RCMP would like to remind the public, especially those with children, how real AirSoft BB guns, pellet guns or even some paintball guns can appear as an actual firearm, and the safety risk they can create when police respond to determine if they are real or not. These items are best left at home or, when traveling, left in the trunk of the vehicle.
Submitted by Cpl. D.R. KlubiSmithers RCMP