St. Albert RCMP got more than they bargained for stopping a car that failed to yield to a pedestrian, earlier this month.
Officers stopped a 2006 blue Kia for failing to stop for a pedestrian who was trying to cross St. Anne Street at the intersection with Perron Street around 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 2.
The woman had to stop and cross the street after the car passed by.
Officers found marijuana and “two very real looking handguns in the backseat” of the car. One gun with a brown handle resembled a Walther PPK while the black gun looked like a .357 Magnum, says RCMP. Upon closer inspection, it was determined that both were pellet guns.
"Smoking marijuana and driving creates impaired drivers and endangers us all, but having real looking handguns is also very dangerous,” says Cpl. Laurel Kading with the St. Albert RCMP.
She says RCMP has responded to several complaints of people carrying pellet guns in public over the last few years.
In 2013, RCMP responded to at least 10 verified complaints involving air/gas powered replica firearms in both public spaces and on private property.
Police are concerned that this trend may have disastrous consequences, since officers respond as if real weapons are involved.
This summer a 17-year-old was arrested after he was caught walking along the Red Willow Trail carrying a BB gun. RCMP detained the teen in a high-risk takedown, resulting in the officer having to unholster his or her weapon.
Under the protection of persons and property bylaw, people are not allowed to discharge a firearm, air gun, air pistol, air rifle, BB gun, bow and arrow, or slingshots within the city limits, unless they have permission from the mayor or the RCMP.
If they do, the fine is up to $50.
The 18-year-old driver of the vehicle received a 24-hour driving suspension and was charged with failing to yield to a pedestrian at an intersection as well as possession of a controlled substance.
RCMP is not releasing the name of the St. Albert man since the charges have yet to be sworn. He is scheduled to appear in St. Albert Provincial Court on Feb. 23, 2015.
