On August 9, 2015, just after 2pm, Selkirk RCMP responded to a call of a male observed on Grand Beach with what appeared to be a handgun tucked into the waistband of his shorts.
Handgun replica phone case.
Several officers from the Selkirk detachment immediately responded to the call and attended the beach which was crowded with people on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Based on the information and details known at the time, officers responded with all levels of intervention at their disposal, including rifles and non-lethal conducted energy weapons.
With the assistance of witnesses, the male was quickly located sitting on the beach surrounded by family, including children. Officers quickly determined the handgun in his waistband was in fact an iPhone case shaped to look like a real handgun.
This incident required a level of response based on the assumption that the weapon was real, posing serious safety risks for everyone involved.
“Unfortunately some people do not realize the risks associated with openly carrying or displaying these replicas in a public space,” Sgt. Bert Paquet says. “Anyone who owns this type or similar devices should safely dispose of them immediately.”
After the 34 year-old male from Winnipeg was questioned, the item was voluntarily turned over to police for safe disposal. The male will not be charged with any offences.
“Obviously, members from the public expect the police to respond to potential firearms or weapons calls quickly and accordingly.” Paquet says. “While the individual knew this item to be a fake gun, our officers did not.”
