Two volunteers with Nanaimo RCMP Citizen’s on Patrol are credited with helping police seize a replica handgun from a youth who allegedly fired it at a passing vehicle.
The incident happened Halloween at about 10 p.m. when the volunteers were patrolling in their vehicle near Park Avenue Elementary School and came upon two youths walking along the road, one carrying a black pistol in his hand.
The volunteers then allegedly saw the youth load the pistol, aim and fire it at a passing car, prompting them to drive ahead and keep watch on the youths from a safe distance while they called police.
Police arrived, arrested the 16-year-old with the gun and seized the pistol, which turned out to an Airsoft BB gun, nearly 1,000 rounds of ammunition, a holster and some fireworks.
Police also had the gun destroyed.
The youth was given a $200 fine for possessing fireworks and turned over to his father.
Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, said no firearms-related charges were pursued because information about the pistol being pointed at a vehicle was not communicated to officers at the scene.
The second youth did not participate in the shooting and was sent on his way.
O'Brien said the incident was an example of how Citizens On Patrol members and other trained volunteers contribute to day-to-day community safety.