York Regional Police have charged two teenagers after an incident involving what appeared to be BB guns led to their gunpoint arrest at a Vaughan park.
Police went to a school on Brownridge Drive around 6:17 p.m. Tuesday after they received calls about people wielding weapons.
When they arrived they found two teenagers with what appeared to be BB handguns, police said in a news release Wednesday.
With their guns drawn, officers then arrested the teens.
Police said Wednesday that they responded with firearms drawn because they always treat suspected weapons as real until they conclusively determine otherwise.
In light of the incident, police issued a reminder that fake guns may still lead to real charges.
“Police are reminding residents that the use of replica or air guns which look very similar to real firearms can present a serious threat to public safety,” York police said in a news release.
Although air guns are not usually classified as weapons, they can be considered as firearms if used to commit an offence, in which case appropriate criminal code charges may apply, police said.
They also said air guns should not be used in public lands, such as parks and that people using the devices should always be mindful that rounds not hit people, pets or property.
Police say two teens from Vaughan have been charged.
UPDATE: A 19-year-old originally charged in the case had the charge against him withdrawn by the courts in exchange for entering into a common-law peace bond for 12 months.
The other suspect, a 16 year old boy, cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. He has been charged with weapons dangerous and possession of marijuana.
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