Replica Handgun Leads To Arrest In Nanaimo

 Dustin Derreck PACHECO Charged

A 27 year old Nanaimo man was arrested yesterday afternoon after being found in possession of a handgun which later was determined to be a replica.

At approximately 2:45 PM on Monday October 29th, officers stopped a vehicle near the intersection of Selby at Albert St as they had information a male in the car was in possession of a firearm. Officers surrounded the car and commanded the male to step out of the vehicle. As he exited from the passenger side, the butt end of a handgun could clearly be seen protruding from the waistband of his pants.

A short scuffle ensued as officers attempted to arrest him and remove the firearm from his possession. Once in custody the handgun was examined and only then did officers realize it was a replica pellet gun. Officers commented it closely resembled their RCMP issued service pistol.

This man placed himself in a extremely precarious situation by having this replica handgun in his possession and by displaying it in the manner he did. He is very lucky our members displayed the restraint they did in dealing with him ,said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

Dustin Derreck PACHECO was held in custody overnight and this morning he appeared in Nanaimo Provincial court. One charge of Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to the Public Peace was laid against him. PACHEO is still in custody and a decision is expected later today on whether he will be released or remanded into custody.