Teen Detained at Rideau Centre After Replica Gun Sighting
Ottawa police moved quickly Friday after several shoppers inside Rideau Centre spotted what appeared to be a firearm on an 18-year-old man and immediately called 911. Officers arrived at the downtown mall and arrested the suspect without incident, later confirming the weapon was a replica gun — not a real firearm.
A knife was also recovered at the scene.
'Several People' Called 911
Ottawa Police Service confirmed that multiple witnesses independently reported the sighting before officers arrived. The fact that bystanders acted quickly and contacted police is being credited with enabling a fast response.
Rideau Centre, located in the heart of downtown Ottawa at 50 Rideau Street, draws thousands of visitors daily, including tourists, families, and transit commuters connecting through the nearby Rideau LRT station. A visible weapon — real or replica — in that environment understandably caused alarm.
Replica Guns: Still a Serious Matter
While replica firearms are not functional, carrying one in a public space — especially a crowded shopping mall — can have serious legal consequences in Canada. Under the Criminal Code, possessing a replica firearm in a public place can be treated similarly to carrying an imitation weapon with intent to cause fear, which carries real criminal penalties.
Ottawa police have not publicly released the name of the suspect, but confirmed the 18-year-old is facing charges. Details on the specific charges had not been fully disclosed at the time of reporting.
Safety at Ottawa Malls
This incident is a reminder of how quickly the public responds when something feels off — and why that vigilance matters. Ottawa's downtown core sees significant foot traffic year-round, and Rideau Centre in particular serves as a gathering point for people of all ages.
Mall security and OPS work collaboratively to maintain a safe environment, but moments like these underscore the importance of community awareness. If you ever see something that doesn't look right in a public space, Ottawa Police encourage residents to call 911 immediately — as the witnesses in this case did.
No injuries were reported and the mall remained open following the arrest.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
