A man in his 50's was arrested at Island View Regional Park after firing a handgun at the beach.
The incident occurred on Thursday night when Central Saanich Police responded to reports of a man shooting a pistol into the water just after 6:30 p.m. Upon their arrival, police were able to locate and arrest the male without incident, while also recovering the suspect's firearm.
"We took him back to the office and he was later released on paperwork," said Central Saanich Police Sergeant Ritchie Li. "It was determined that no one was targeted."
Li would not specify whether the male was under the influence of drugs/alcohol -- in any sort of mental health distress -- but he would make mention that the particular handgun being used by the suspect did not pose any threat to the public.
"It was a weapon that was incapable of hurting anybody." said Li. "We'll just put it that way."
While several details regarding the incident have not yet been released -- including the male's description -- it is known that beachgoers at Island View Regional Park have no need for concern. Several people were reported to have been in the area at the time of the incident, though police say that any potential witnesses to the event were gone by the time police arrived.
At this time the Central Saanich Police are asking anyone with any information to please come forward.
Alex Rodgerson