Police execute search warrant at Bradford home after reports of youths with a firearm

Police are sending a strong warning after an incident in Bradford involving replica firearms.

Police are warning the public about the serious consequences of carrying and misusing replica firearms following an incident this week that resulted in a search warrant being carried out in a Bradford neighbourhood.

South Simcoe police say they received a report about two youths in possession of a firearm on Monday. The situation led to a search warrant being issued and officers, plus the K9 unit, showing up at a home on Carter Street the following morning.

Officers recovered a realistic replica handgun during the search and have since worked to educate the family and those directly involved about the seriousness of incidents involving imitation weapons.

“Due to the nature of this incident involving minors, no further information will be released,” the police service noted in a Wednesday release.

Police say reports about firearms are taken very seriously and are treated with urgency due to the potential risk they pose.

“Even when a firearm is not real, its appearance can lead to significant public concern and a heightened police response. Replica firearms can be easily mistaken for real weapons, especially in public settings, posing a serious risk and potentially dangerous, and life-threatening consequences,” South Simcoe police stated.

Following this incident, the service is urging parents and guardians to teach their kids about the risks of carrying replica firearms.