Replica/air soft/pellet/BB guns a concern

Replica/air soft/pellet/BB guns are creating a real danger for police and the public. There have been a number of gun calls that turn out to be replica/air soft/pellet/BB guns recently in the city. Guelph Police reports four such incidents so far in March. Police must take all weapons calls as a serious threat for the safety of the public, the police involved and the person with the reported weapon. Often, police have to make a split second decision whether the gun is real. The consequences could be deadly.

On March 12, police received the report of a male youth allegedly in possession of a pellet gun at the Stone Road Mall. The youth was located but no gun was found in his possession.

On March 13, 2015, members of the Guelph Police responded to the area of Paisley Road and Memorial Crescent for a report of a male with a pellet gun allegedly shooting at a second male. Police located two suspects walking along the railway tracks leading over the Hanlon Expressway. Both parties were arrested without incident. Police canine was utilized to search the area and a pellet gun was located a short distance from where the parties were arrested.

On March 21, 2015 a male was seen running on the Hanlon Expressway with a gun. The man was located and advised that he had found the BB gun. No charges were laid in this incident.

On March 22, 2015 a male on Stone Road was allegedly shot in the eye with an air soft gun. This incident is still under investigation.

It is important for adults who own or possess replica/air soft/pellet/BB guns as well as parents of minors or young persons who have access, to understand the laws surrounding what you own.

It is not illegal to own pellet/BB guns or air soft guns, however, everyone needs to use common sense when using or transporting them. If a person carry’s or displays a replica/air soft/pellet/BB gun in public, he or she needs to be aware that only they know for certain what it is. It is likely that a concerned or alarmed community member will call police and officers will attend with the assumption that it is a serious situation until determined otherwise.

The Guelph By-Law definition of a “Firearm” means any gun or other firearm, air-gun, pellet gun, spring-gun, shotgun, cross-bow, long-bow, and any other barreled weapon from which any shot, bullet, missile or other projectile may be discharged. The by-law also contains rules about the use of firearms within the city of Guelph.

The Criminal Code definition of an imitation firearm is anything that imitates a firearm, and includes a replicafirearm.

When used to commit a crime, replica firearms are included in the broader Criminal Code definition of imitation firearms”. There is a mandatory minimum penalty of one year in prison if an imitation firearm is used to commit

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