Two men are facing firearms-related charges after the RCMP executed search warrants in two Gibsons residences.
The warrants were issued after an "altercation" that started at the Mark's retail outlet in Sunnycrest Mall on Saturday Feb. 18 just after 5 p.m., according to an RCMP press release Feb. 23. Two men – one from Surrey and one from Gibsons – were arrested and search warrants for the residences "subsequently executed."
Police are hoping to speak to any witnesses of the altercation at the mall.
One man is described as Caucasian, 6', 35 to 40 with a dark ball cap, light grey/white hoodie and dark pants, was shopping in Mark's before "a loud argument ensued between him and two other males who had entered the store from the mall entrance."
"The first male was able to leave out the store entrance that led to the parking lot. The second and third male were arrested a short time later by police," said the release.
The two men arrested are described as: Caucasian, 6', in his 30s, heavy built with neck and hand tattoos, with very short reddish-blond hair, wearing a black jacket and pants; and Middle Eastern male in his late teens, 6' with a slim build and black short hair, wearing light coloured pants and a "grey/white/black patterned puffy vest over a grey hoodie."
No one was hurt in the altercation and no shots were fired and no one saw the gun, Cst. Karen Whitby of Sunshine Coast RCMP told Coast Reporter via email. As to the nature of the argument, "Staff were so shocked at the loud argument they couldn’t remember what was said," said Whitby.
As of Feb. 27, one man has been released with a no-go to the Coast and a future court date, and the other is still in custody, Whitby said.
Witnesses who haven't already spoken with police or who have dash cam footage of the parking lot area near Mark's are asked to contact the RCMP at 604-885-2266.
Note: This story has been updated to include further information from the RCMP.
