Report of man carrying handgun in Perth leads to weapons charges

An incident involving a suspected handgun in Perth led to a Lanark Highlands resident being arrested and charged, OPP report in a media release.

Just before 3:30 p.m. on June 11, police received word that someone was seen carrying a handgun on Gore Street, near Mill Street.

“Officers quickly responded, located the male and determined the gun was a replica handgun and not dangerous,” police state.

However, officers also seized a knife.

As a result, Vance Campbell, age 24, of Lanark Highlands Township, has been charged with two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. 

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth on July 22.

“Replica weapons are considered a weapon if the person uses or intends to use them to commit and offence,” police explain in the media release. “Police also face a split-second decision when faced with an individual armed with what looks like a real firearm.”