A replica gun that looked a little too much like the real thing caused a scare in Victoria's Centennial Square Wednesday morning.
Officers swarmed the square with weapons drawn at around 10:30 a.m. in response to a report of a man seen brandishing what was believed to be a handgun.
After identifying the man and taking him into custody they found he was actually carrying a pellet gun.
Victoria police said they're waging an ongoing battle against replica firearms that are increasingly being made to look like real guns.
"That's the ongoing danger that we're finding with these pellet guns and even toys, is that the public and even trained officers who are familiar with firearms can't determine that it's not real until we've got it in our hands," said Sgt. Jeff Mason.
While there are no specific laws against pellet or airsoft guns, police are reminding the public not to brandish them in public in a manner that could cause alarm.
"You can be charged for causing mischief or other situations where you cause alarm to the public," said Mason.
Police were seen speaking with witnesses in the square and are determining whether or not charges will be recommended against the man.
