Reports of an armed person in Saint John’s Rockwood Park during Canada Day celebrations.
Police said they received 911 calls around 3 p.m. Friday reporting a man dressed in black carrying a long gun.
“One caller reported that the suspect was near the playground,” Staff Sgt. Sean Rocca said in an email to our newsroom.
“This was causing panic as there were many people, including children, in the park for Canada Day celebrations.”
Officers responded and began evacuating the park as they searched for the suspect, he said.
Rocca said the suspect was located sitting on a park bench with what appeared to be a rifle.
“The rifle was found to be an imitation firearm, which was seized by police,” he said.
A 23-year-old was arrested for possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. He was later released from custody with a September court date.
Rocca said no one was injured during the incident.
