Victoria police seized a replica handgun Friday afternoon and say they are coming across real and fake firearms more frequently.
Officers went to a social-service provider in the 900 block of Pandora Avenue after receiving a call about a man with a firearm.
The man had previously threatened staff at the agency and others in the area were concerned after he was seen with what appeared to be a handgun.
Police found the man and took him into custody.
They searched him but did not find a gun. He told them he had a replica gun and it was with his belongings nearby.
Officers searched his possessions and found a realistic-looking replica firearm, which they seized.
The man was released at the scene, pending further investigation, police said.
“Patrol officers are encountering realistic replica firearms and real, functional, loaded firearms with increasing frequency,” Victoria police said in a statement.
“In order to keep the public safe, officers have to respond to firearms calls as though the weapon is a real, functional, loaded firearm until such time as they are able to determine otherwise.”
Anyone with information about the Friday incident is asked to call the Victoria police report desk at 250-995-7654, extension 1. To report anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
