Youth arrested in New Westminster after replica firearm reported near SkyTrain station

A 16-year-old youth was taken into custody Tuesday night after police responded to reports of a person with a firearm near Columbia SkyTrain Station in New Westminster.

According to police, a 9-1-1 caller reported seeing the youth pick up what appeared to be a gun and tuck it into his waistband around 8:45 p.m. Officers quickly arrived at the scene and located a suspect matching the description. The youth was arrested without incident.

Investigators later determined the firearm was a replica. The New Westminster Police Department said the case remains under active investigation.

Sergeant Andrew Leaver thanked the individual who reported the incident, emphasizing that such calls help keep the community safe. “If you ever see anything that causes you concern for the safety of others we ask that you make the call,” he said in a statement.

Police are reminding the public that replica or imitation firearms can cause serious safety risks and may result in criminal charges if used improperly. Officers noted that any report involving a weapon is treated as real until proven otherwise.