Four youths were arrested at a Saanich bus stop on Monday after police found a replica firearm.
Saanich police said officers responded just before 4 p.m. for a report of a group of youths in possession of a firearm.
The group was located at a bus stop on the corner of Quadra Street and McKenzie Avenue and were detained, police said.
A subsequent search of their possessions revealed a replica firearm, as well as a switchblade, police said.
The youths were released with conditions. Police expect to recommend charges related to possession of weapons.
Saanich police said officers are trained to treat all firearms as real until proven otherwise and that all calls involving firearms are a priority response.
“Replicas pose a serious safety risk to the public, those that carry them, and officers responding to a call,” they said.
