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Youth charged after replica gun seized near Yellowknife Public Library

A 16-year-old male faces charges after RCMP responded to a report of a person carrying a firearm near the Yellowknife Public Library on Tuesday.

Mounties arrested the youth, who can't be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and retrieved a replica handgun near the scene, stated police in a news release.

The youth was taken into police custody without incident as Mounties were evacuating the area.

He's charged with mischief and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, states RCMP in a second news release issued late Thursday afternoon.

“This shows the serious consequences related to firearms, whether real or replica," stated RCMP spokesperson Marie York-Condon.

The firearm report triggered a significant response from RCMP, with "several members" attending the scene in a "high traffic public space," just before the evening rush-hour, stated Mounties on Tuesday.

The incident lasted just 15 minutes.

Police say "people should exercise caution and follow the guidelines for safe storage and transport of all firearms."

"We are thankful this incident ended quickly and safely," added York-Condon.

Tuesday's incident was an isolated incident and there is no public safety threat, assured RCMP in the news release.

The youth is set to appear in territorial court in Yellowknife at an undisclosed date.