Two arrested in Kamloops during a suspected weapons call

A report involving a man with a firearm led to a large police presence downtown Tuesday.

On May 31, around 12:15 p.m., Kamloops RCMP frontline officers responded to the foot bridge near Columbia and Battle streets, where a man was allegedly riding a bike with what appeared to be a handgun sticking out of a backpack.

Based on the descriptions provided, police located the bike and two people nearby, and conducted a high-risk takedown due to the possible presence of a firearm, said Constable Crystal Evelyn, Kamloops RCMP spokesperson. The two men were safely taken into custody without incident.

The first suspect, a male known to police, was found to be breaching his release conditions and in possession of a knife. From the second suspect, police seized bear spray, a mask, knives, and suspected illegal drugs. Two backpacks were also located nearby, one of which contained a realistic looking pellet pistol and other weapons.

Both suspects were lodged in cells and released once sober, pending the investigation’s conclusion and any subsequent charge recommendations.