Weapons call leads to seizure of airsoft guns in Abbotsford

ON Saturday at approximately 7:35 p.m., Abbotsford Police patrol officers responded to a weapons call in the 3100-block of Station Road after a member of the public reported a man carrying what appeared to be a handgun tucked into his waistband. Officers quickly attended the area and located the individual near Fraser Highway and 273 Street.

During the investigation, officers found two airsoft guns: one concealed in the man’s waistband and another inside a briefcase he was carrying. The individual was issued a violation ticket for open liquor, and both airsoft guns were seized by police.

The Abbotsford Police Department says it is using this incident as a reminder that airsoft guns should never be carried or displayed in public. Many airsoft guns are designed to closely resemble real firearms, making it extremely difficult for both the public and responding officers to tell the difference.

When officers respond to reports of a firearm, they must treat it is real until they can safely take possession of it and determine otherwise. Reports of someone carrying what appears to be a gun in public often result in a significant police response to ensure public safety. Carrying or displaying replica, imitation, or airsoft firearms in public creates unnecessary risk for everyone involved, warn police.