Fake kidnapping, weapons at movie shoot prompt 911 call

Sep 29 2020, 8:13 pm

Sometimes movie scenes can look a little too real.

According to Halton police, on September 26, at around 11:15 pm, witnesses called 911 after seeing four individuals force a man into an apartment unit at gunpoint on Marlborough Court in Oakville.

Witnesses also happened to see a hatchet and heard screaming and yelling coming from the apartment.

Halton police’s response was immediate due to the nature of the report, and the Tactical Rescue Unit joined the effort.

When officers arrived they were able to quickly de-escalate the situation and arrested four individuals without any physical injuries.

When officers searched the apartment, they located a proper handgun and a plastic hatchet, prompting the arrested group to explain that they were film students and that the weapons and screaming were part of a movie scene they were filming.

“Prop guns can be mistaken for genuine firearms by members of the public. This poses potential risks for public safety, as police will respond to any reported incident under the assumption that the firearm is real and not authorized. While this particular incident ended safely, we would like to avoid a similar incident in the future,” said Halton police.

All parties were released and no charges will be laid by police.

Halton police are taking the time to remind filmmakers that local police must be notified if you intend to film a movie or do a photoshoot that might look a bit suspicious to the public.

“Should a member of the public call police stating a concern, the police will then have prior knowledge of the filming event and be in a position to respond effectively and safely.”

Karen DoradeaKaren Doradea

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