Waterloo Regional Police’s explosives disposal unit was called in after a rocket launcher was discovered inside a Woodstock home on Monday. The weapon was eventually determined to be a fake. Woodstock Police said an investigation led officers to a home on Harcourt Crescent. “Items resembling weapons were observed inside the home, including what appeared to be a rocket launcher,” they wrote in a media release. Police sought out a search warrant and also requested the help of Waterloo Regional Police to “safely examine and remove the items from the property.” Officers and the explosives disposal unit returned to the home the next day. “Upon examination, the items were determined to be inert and confirmed to be a novelty or decommissioned item with no explosive capability,” said Woodstock Police. “No live firearms or explosive devices were located, and there was no risk to public safety at any time during this process.” One person was taken into police custody but then released a short time later. Police said no one was charged. They also issued a reminder for anyone who owns or is in possession of replica or imitation weapons. “Police cannot visually distinguish a replica or inert weapon from a real one in the field. Any item that looks like a weapon must be treated as if it were functional and dangerous until proven otherwise, which can require significant police resources including specialized units, to resolve safely,” they wrote. “Realistic replicas, decommissioned firearms and novelty ordnance should be stored out of plain view and careless use or display should be prevented.”
