VANCOUVER – A 17-year-old was arrested early Tuesday morning after a handgun was spotted sticking out of his jacket by other bus passengers.
Transit Police received a report of a man with a gun at the bus loop by the Braid SkyTrain Station at 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday. When officers arrived, they could see the gun sticking out of his pocket. He was arrested as he tried to walk past the officers.
A loaded, replica style, .177 calibre, Elite II air pistol was recovered; the gun closely resembles a Beretta handgun. Police say the teen bought the gun earlier in the day, and he and his 15-year-old girlfriend, had been walking and taking the bus from Coquitlam to New Westminster. As they walked along, they took turns shooting at bottles, cans and street signs, all while drinking alcohol.
The teen had been reported missing by his foster parents. Both teens were then released to their respective foster parents after questioning. The incident is still under investigation.
Witnesses on the bus told police that they had been frightened and extremely uncomfortable at the sight of the gun. Police say the witnesses are to be commended for their quick reporting of this incident.
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