THREE RIVERS, P.E.I. - Three people were arrested for possession of a firearm in the Three Rivers area on Dec. 15 following a check stop by Kings District RCMP.
During the 11 p.m. check stop of one vehicle, officers saw open liquor and detained the occupants for having open liquor in the car.
During the subsequent search for alcohol in the car, one officer saw what he believed to be a handgun on the driver’s side floor and immediately arrested the three occupants for possession of a firearm.
After the occupants were secured, officers determined the handgun was an airsoft pistol.
The three people involved were later released and received summary offence tickets under the Liquor Control Act in relation to having open liquor in the car.
The RCMP would like to remind owners of airsoft and/or pellet guns that they should transport them in an appropriate case in a secure part of the vehicle (i.e. the trunk). The striking similarity in the look of these items will cause police to respond with the assumption that it is a gun and is a risk to themselves and members of the public.
People are asked to use common sense when in possession of items that are likely to be believed to be a weapon, and ensure they are stored properly so that a simple lack of good planning doesn't end badly.
If it looks very much like a gun, it will be treated as such until officers can determine the safety of everyone involved.
