Bonnyville RCMP say an item that resembled a bullet, and later triggered social media concern, was in fact a novelty pen.
Police received a report at the front counter on Jan. 29 after a man attended a local business and, during a conversation with staff, produced what appeared to be a bullet. The man left with the item, but staff reported safety concerns.
RCMP began investigating.
On Feb. 23, posts circulating on social media raised additional concerns about the situation. Police say their follow-up investigation determined the object was believed to be a pen designed to look like a bullet. One of the novelty pens was provided to officers as part of the investigation.
RCMP say they do not believe there is any public safety risk connected to the Jan. 29 interaction.
Police also say there is no indication of a safety threat to the complainant or staff related to political beliefs or any other motive.
Staff Sgt. Lloyd Pinsent, detachment commander of Bonnyville RCMP, urged the public to allow investigations to proceed before sharing information online.
“Allowing police to complete various stages of an investigation is extremely important, especially prior to posting anything on social media,” said Pinsent.
“Posting on social media may not only compromise an investigation but can pose unnecessary safety risks to all people involved. Social media has its place, and we thank the public for their support in removing and or refraining from making any threatening posts.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
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