This is the weapon Nanaimo RCMP allege was use by a 14-year-old boy to point at several passing vehicles on Departure Bay Rd. on Thursday, April 27. (Nanaimo RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

chaotic incident

Teen accused of pointing fake gun at passing vehicles in Nanaimo

Apr 27, 2023 | 1:21 PM

NANAIMO— A significant police presence converged on Departure Bay Rd. following reports somebody was pointing a gun at numerous passing vehicles.

Calls to police flooded in on Thursday, April 27 at about 11:50 a.m., resulting in upwards of 20 RCMP officers responding, according to Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien.

He said tips from the public were instrumental in tracing the suspect to a home on Departure Bay Rd. near Uplands Dr. where a 14-year-old boy was arrested at about 12:20 p.m.

“It turns out it was a replica toy firearm that resembles an assault rifle. The 14-year-old youth is in custody, charges are pending in this matter,” O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW.

O’Brien wouldn’t reveal any other information about the boy.

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He said numerous reports were made about the suspect pointing a gun at several different vehicles while walking down Departure Bay Rd.

Hold and secure measures were implemented at nearby Wellington Secondary, as well as Rock City and Departure Bay elementary schools.

“It caused significant concern, especially with the number of students who saw numerous police officers in plain clothes with rifles and handguns,” O’Brien said.

The incident took place while Wellington students were on their lunch break.

O’Brien said the incident wasn’t reported on social media as the situation was evolving because events evolved so quickly and they focussed on getting the correct information out to the public.

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