The Metro Vancouver Transit Police (MVTP) say officers arrested a man on Monday at Surrey’s Gateway SkyTrain Station after they witnessed him entering the station without paying the requested fare.
Shortly after 10 a.m., officers saw that the suspect was following another passenger through the gates while failing to provide any proof of payment.
When talking to the man, officers noticed he was wearing a loaded handgun, including ammunition.
Additionally, the suspect has several outstanding warrants.
“In policing, routine tasks can have dramatic outcomes. In this case, simply ensuring that transit users had valid fare while using the system resulted in a dangerous weapon being removed from transit before any harm could come to the public,” said Constable Amanda Steed.
The 55-year-old suspect is now being charged with one count of possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm.
He remains in custody pending his next court appearance.