A 15-year-old has been accused of taking a firearm onto a bus and into a shopping centre in Gungahlin. Photo: ACT Policing.
A 15-year-old has been charged for allegedly carrying an imitation handgun on a bus and into Gungahlin Marketplace.
Police received reports of a young person who had a weapon tucked into the waistband of their pants while on a bus at about 3:30 pm on Wednesday (28 September).
The teenager allegedly pulled out the weapon to show his friends before he entered Gungahlin Marketplace.
Officers arrived and arrested the boy as he returned to the bus interchange. They alleged the imitation handgun was knocked to the ground during his arrest when the 15-year-old tried to pull it from his pants.
Investigations revealed the weapon was wanted in relation to another firearm incident.
The teen, who was on bail at the time, was charged with discharging a firearm in a public place (which is inclusive of the possession of imitation firearms in public places).
Detective Superintendent North District Mick Calatzis said this came after similar incidents in recent weeks where people had been arrested for carrying gel blasters.
“We have seen an increase in people carrying weapons that to the naked eye would look like a real firearm,” he said.
“Gel blasters and imitation firearms are unlawful in the ACT and police are working hard to get these weapons off Canberra streets. Our focus is always to keep Canberrans safe.”
The teenager will front ACT Children’s Court where police will oppose bail.
Police have urged anyone with information about the above case to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, quoting 7119057.
Original Article published by Claire Fenwicke on Riotact.
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