ERT Assist in Comox Valley Disturbance Call
On April 22nd at approximately 7:10 pm, the Comox Valley RCMP responded to a disturbance call on the 2100 block of Tull Avenue, in Courtenay. The complainant reported having seen a male with a weapon at a residence.
Attempts to contact the male were made, while the Emergency Response team, a negotiator and the Police Dog service were called to the scene.
Investigators learned the house was occupied by two males. One male exited the residence upon police request. It was soon determined he was not involved in the incident and he was released. A 25 year old male was also arrested and Imitation firearms were located and seized. The male was released from custody the following day and the investigation remains on going.
Throughout the police presence at the residence, a private drone was being flown over the area and found to be live broadcasting information. Cst. Rob Gardner of the Comox Valley RCMP states, “Any time our officers, any of our officers, not specifically the Emergency Response Team are responding to an active and ongoing situation, we need to ensure their safety and security. It is imperative officers are able to move and position tactically, and in some cases remain undetected, in areas around the scene. When such information is being disseminated in real time, across the internet, it doesn’t only jeopardise our officer’s safety but potentially jeopardises our ability to see a situation come to a safe resolution. Additionally, if the need to call in air supports such as a helicopter or an RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) should arise, the presence of this drone, would have impacted these resources being able to access the area, therefore further threatening our officers and public safety,” adds Gardner.
The Comox Valley RCMP would like to remind anyone who is in possession of imitation firearms to take proper precautions when carrying them in public. Police and public safety are always our priority. Police must treat every firearm call as if it is real firearm. Replica firearms are made to be exactly that, replicas of real firearms and only after careful examination can they be determined not to a real firearm. Although possession of imitation or replica firearms is not illegal, criminal charges may be laid in instances where they are used to damage property, threaten, intimidate or assault others, regardless of whether or not they are real. (2017-4991)