Between April 14 to 22, 2026, Lloydminster RCMP have responded to many firearms-related complaints involving several youths. RCMP safely seized one of the involved airsoft toy guns.
Since imitation handguns may or may not be visually distinguishable from real firearms, Lloydminster RCMP is reminding youth and parents of the serious public safety risks and potential legal consequences associated with replica and imitation firearms, especially following the recent incidents involving teens firing replica firearms including airsoft guns, bead guns, and water guns.
Residents are reminded all firearms calls are treated as a top public safety priority by police. When RCMP respond to reports involving a potential firearm, police officers must assume the weapon is real.
The presence of a replica or imitation firearm can place the individual in possession of it, members of the public, and responding police officers at significant risk.
“This incident could have had very serious consequences,” said Sergeant Chris Byford, an Operations Supervisor at Lloydminster RCMP. “Replica firearms can look very real and can still cause injury to others and/or damage to property. Police officers have no way of knowing otherwise when responding to a firearms call. Youth and their parents need to understand that carrying or displaying these items in public can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation.”
RCMP officers exercised due diligence during the various responses, and one of the replica firearms, which turned out to be a bead gun, was seized without injury. The youth involved and throughout the schools in Lloydminster were educated further by police on the risks and potential consequences associated with imitation firearms.
“Parents play an important role in preventing incidents like this,” added Sergeant Chris Byford. “We encourage families to have open conversations about replica and toy guns and to ensure these items are not taken into public spaces.”
Lloydminster RCMP remind the public that replica firearms, including airsoft, pellet, BB, or toy guns designed to resemble real firearms, may result in seizure, criminal charges, or other enforcement action depending on the circumstances. Public awareness and early education are key to preventing tragic outcomes.
Anyone with information or questions related to public safety concerns is encouraged to contact their local police detachment.
Corporal Teri-Ann Bakker
Public Information Officer
Alberta RCMP Media Group
