On Wednesday August 15, 2012 at approximately 10:30 AM the Smithers RCMP responded to a complaint of two males, and one female, who were observed exchanging a handgun in Kiddies Park in Smithers, BC.
The complainant provided police with a physical description of the two male suspects who were located by police minutes later on Main St. in Smithers, BC.
Upon approaching the males, police observed one of the males to have a handgun sticking out of the waistband on his pants.
Both males and the female were arrested by police at gun point at this time for possession of a weapon dangerous to public.
Following the arrest, and on closer examination of the handgun, it was determined to be a replica paintball handgun.
The paintball gun was seized by police for destruction.
Both males and the female were issued warnings about carrying any type of weapon, replica or not, on their person while in public.
No charges were forwarded.
Police would like to remind members of the public that any type of replica weapon, whether paintball guns, pellet guns, or toys may appear very real and police are required at all times to respond to the threat of a weapon appropriately to ensure both public and police safety.