Kamloops restaurant evacuated after report of handgun
A large police presence on the North Shore in Kamloops yesterday was in response to a call involving what appeared to be a firearm. Police received a report of a man inside a restaurant washroom, allegedly in possession of a handgun, at around 12:30 p.m. yesterday, Feb. 22, in the...
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A large police presence on the North Shore in Kamloops yesterday was in response to a call involving what appeared to be a firearm.
Police received a report of a man inside a restaurant washroom, allegedly in possession of a handgun, at around 12:30 p.m. yesterday, Feb. 22, in the 600 block of Fortune Drive, according to an RCMP media release. RCMP do not identify the restaurant.
Multiple officers attended and customers inside the building were cleared out.
“Due to the elevated risk associated with a firearm’s complaint, the response included officers having their intervention options at the ready, including firearms and conductive energy devices,” Kamloops RCMP spokesperson Const. Crystal Evelyn said in the release. “When police called out to the man inside the washroom, he surrendered without incident.”
Further investigation revealed the potential firearm had been given to another man who had left the building. Police made patrols and located the second suspect on 8 Avenue.
A BB gun was turned over to police for destruction, RCMP said, and both suspects were released as no evidence suggested it was used in a criminal offence.
“It’s important for people to realize that a BB gun can easily be mistaken for a firearm by a member of the public and by police,” Const. Evelyn said.
“Anytime something that looks like a firearm is visible in public view, even if it is not in a threatening manner, it can present as a public safety risk. If you have a BB gun, please be mindful of this and keep it stored in the same manner you would a real firearm.”
Anyone with information related to this investigation can contact the Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 and reference file number 2022-5797.
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