Red Deer RCMP are reminding the public about the serious safety risks and potential legal consequences associated with replica and imitation firearms.
The reminder follows an incident on Sunday afternoon in the park at the Koinonia Christian School in Red Deer.
Police responded to a call of a firearms-related complaint and when they arrived multiple youth were found with toy firearms that were battery operated and being used to shoot gel-blaster-balls. No one was harmed during the interaction with police.
Mounties note that from a distance the firearms were easily mistaken for real guns. However, RCMP say parents play an important role in education and prevention.
When replica firearms are present, they can be indistinguishable from real guns and that can create significant risk for the individuals in possession, for members of the public, and for the officers who are called in to respond.
Anyone who sees suspicious activity is asked to please contact the Red Deer RCMP detachment, your local police or CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Earlier this year, Chestermere RCMP dealt with an incident involving a water gun that resembled a real-Glock style firearm. Police seized it and no injuries were reported from the incident which occurred on January 8th. RCMP members also educated the youth involved on the risks and potential consequences associated with imitation firearms.
