A teenage boy involved in a recent firearms incident was arrested yesterday by ACT Policing for openly carrying an alleged firearm on a public bus and a shopping centre. 

About 3.30pm on Wednesday, 28 September, police officers were alerted to a teenager on a public bus who had a weapon tucked into the waistband of his trousers.

The 15-year-old allegedly produced the weapon on the bus to show his friends before entering Gungahlin Marketplace.

Police arrested the boy when he returned to the bus interchange. The teen attempted to draw the gun from his waistband, but it was knocked to the ground during the arrest.

Investigations identified the weapon as an imitation handgun which was wanted in relation to another firearm incident: on Wednesday 21 September, youths pointed the imitation firearm, a gel blaster, at staff at the Gungahlin Village Shopping Centre.

The teen, who was on bail at the time of this week’s incident, has been charged with discharging a firearm in a public place.

The boy is set to face the ACT Children’s Court where police will oppose bail.

Detective Superintendent North District Mick Calatzis said the brazen carrying of the gun came after similar incidents in recent weeks where people were arrested for carrying gel blasters.

“We have seen an increase in people carrying weapons that to the naked eye would look like a real firearm,” D/Supt Calatzis said.

Replication firearms were used in three incidents this month: on 16 and 26 September, and again today, police said.

“Gel blasters and imitation firearms are unlawful in the ACT, and police are working hard to get these weapons off Canberra streets,” D/Supt Calatzis said. “Our focus is always to keep Canberrans safe.”

Anyone who can assist police with yesterday’s arrest is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.  

Please quote 7119057.