Halifax man charged in connection with weapons scare

Halifax police say they have arrested a suspect after reports of a man wearing fatigues and carrying a long gun.

A Halifax man is facing charges after police responded to reports of an armed man walking on the Linear Pathway in the Clayton Park and Fairview areas Tuesday morning.

A woman called police shortly before 9:30 a.m. Tuesday to say she had spotted a man in camouflage carrying what appeared to be assault rifles while walking on the path near the end of Westridge Drive.

Shortly after, police received a second report of an armed man walking on the path near Veronica Drive and Main Avenue.

Several police units, including the Emergency Response Team, K9, and patrol, responded to the scene and cordoned off a large area.

Police say a man matching the suspect’s description eventually emerged out of woods and surrendered to officers around 10:30 a.m.

Police he was wearing camouflage, a bulletproof vest and was carrying what appeared to be assault rifles, although they were later determined to be airsoft guns.

He was arrested and held in custody overnight.

Jason Gillespie, 35, is facing charges of mischief and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace. He appeared in Halifax provincial court Wednesday and is due back in court on Oct. 4 for election and plea.

Police say, while airsoft guns aren’t considered lethal weapons, the situation created fear in the community and tied up considerable resources.

A city bylaw prohibits people from using or being in possession of any firearm, air gun, bow and arrow, axe or offensive weapon of any kind in a municipal park or on a trail.