NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. – A North Battleford man was arrested in B.C. after he allegedly attempted to shoot a loaded Glock handgun outside a busy Surrey convenience store.
Bystanders – including the convenience store owner - tackled 36-year-old Kevin Richard Petit to the ground after he allegedly racked a loaded handgun and was about to shoot, say Metro Vancouver Transit Police. When a person racks a handgun this means they pull back the slide. This is what they do to chamber a round before pulling the trigger.
Police were called to the Surrey Central SkyTrain Station at 11:45 a.m. on Feb. 24. They say Petit was standing outside a convenience store across the street from the transit station. When Metro Vancouver Transit Police officers arrived on scene, Petit had broken away and took off running. Following a brief foot chase, Petit was arrested behind a neighbouring business and a loaded Glock 19 handgun was recovered from inside his waistband.
One officer was injured during the arrest and taken to hospital. He was released shortly after and is recovering at home, say police.
Petit was charged with possession of a prohibited firearm.
Metro Vancouver Transit Police say Petit is considered a high-risk violent offender. He was remanded in custody.
“Whenever a firearm is involved in a call, it presents a volatile and often unpredictable situation where the potential for tragedy is heightened,” said Constable Amanda Steed.
“Thankfully, this situation was resolved quickly and without serious injury to anyone involved. Transit Police would never recommend that bystanders put themselves at risk. We urge those who witness or who are in immediate danger, to call 9-1-1.”
