Sarnia police are reminding owners of imitation firearms to keep them out of sight when transporting them.
At about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, officers were called to the area of Campbell Street and Samuel Street.
A bystander saw a man in an orange camouflage jacket walking down the road, carrying and trying to conceal what was described as a carbine-style rifle.
Photo of police issued carbine rifle and paintball rifle from morning incident. (Photo courtesy of Sarnia police)
Officers located a 58-year-old man with a rifle strapped to his back still in the area.
They determined the rifle was actually a paintball gun.
The man told police he was on his way to sell the gun to someone, and ultimately, since it was not used in any manner that threatened anyone, he was released without conditions.
Police warn that carrying a gun made to imitate a real firearm may incite fear and concern when made visible to the public. Anyone legally in possession of an imitation firearm is advised to transport it in a manner that doesn't generate negative attention.
Real firearms have specific requirements and licencing for their transportation.