Metro Vancouver Transit Police (MVTP) is sharing some information relating to an incident involving a loaded gun at a Surrey SkyTrain station earlier this week.
According to a release from MVTP, the incident occurred on March 23, just after 10 a.m.
Transit Police officers were at Gateway SkyTrain station in Surrey and checking passengers for fares within the Fare Paid Zone.
“They watched a man follow another passenger through the gates while failing to tap any Compass media or provide proof of payment,” Transit Police said.
An interaction between police and the 55-year-old man revealed that he had several outstanding warrants, along with the loaded handgun and ammunition.
Transit Police have shared the name of the suspect, revealing him as Roger David Mowat. He remains in custody and has been charged with one count of Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm.
Mowat will stay in custody pending his next court appearance.
“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 MVTP Constable Amanda Steed in a release.