Saanich driver arrested after pointing, firing air gun at another motorist
Two young men driving together over the Malahat got the scare of their lives this week after another motorist pulled up beside them and pointed a realistic looking gun at them.
The incident occurred just after 7 p.m. on Monday (Sept. 3), as the two vehicles were travelling southbound.
The two men, in a truck, told police they were being tailgated by a Dodge Avenger, which was swerving back and forth behind them and following them in an aggressive manner, reported Saanich police Sgt. Scott Treble.
Near the Helmcken overpass, the Avenger pulled up on the left of the truck and pointed a small black handgun at the truck's driver.
Both in the truck told police they heard what they believed to be a single gunshot.
The pair phoned police and reported the Avenger, which was pulled over by Saanich police on Saanich Road.
The 34-year-old driver, a Saanich man, was arrested. His 33-year-old common-law wife and her four-year-old son were also in the vehicle.
An air-powered pellet gun with CO2 cartridge was seized from the vehicle.
"The witnesses feel certain that the air pellet gun was discharged, but may not have fired a projectile," Treble said.
The driver was released and will appear in court in October on weapons related charges.
The Ministry of Children and Family Development was contacted about the four-year-old boy being the in vehicle at the time of the incident.
Black bear spotted near Prospect Lake
Prospect Lake residents who've been dealing with reports of cougar sightings recently are advised to be on the lookout for another furry animal, too, now: a black bear.
Saanich police received a call Sunday night (Sept. 2) after the bear was seen trying to get into a garbage can on Petworth Drive.
"Police are reminding people in the area to ensure that their garbage cans have lids that close securely," said Const. Kathleen Brandsma.
For more information on reducing human and bear encounters, visit bearaware.bc.ca.
If the bear is spotted again, and there are concerns about its behaviour, call Saanich police at 911 or 250-475-4321.
kslavin@saanichnews.com