Key Takeaways

  • A woman in camouflage, body armour and a tactical vest, allegedly displaying a police-style badge and patches, was arrested at the Victory Square Remembrance Day ceremony.
  • Police found a replica firearm in her possession after the arrest.
  • A 34-year-old Vancouver woman has been charged with one count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Camouflage, body armour and a badge on a chain — at the cenotaph

Vancouver police say a woman dressed to look like an officer was arrested in the middle of the city's Remembrance Day ceremony. Officers at the Victory Square ceremony — one of the largest Remembrance Day events in British Columbia, drawing thousands of attendees each year — noticed a woman wearing camouflage combat-style clothing, body armour, tactical boots, and a tactical vest with military-style pouches. She was also allegedly displaying a police-style badge on a chain and several police-related patches.

After arresting her, officers found she was in possession of a replica firearm.

A 34-year-old Vancouver woman, who is not named in the release, has been charged with one count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Despite the circumstances, the release lists no impersonation charge — the weapons count is the only charge announced.

Why police are talking about it

"The VPD had roughly 120 police officers deployed to secure Remembrance Day ceremonies across the city," Constable Megan Lui said. "Incidents like these serve as a reminder of the need for police presence at such important public events."

Police have not said what the woman intended, and the release gives no file number or court date.

The charge has not been proven in court.

The Twikup Take

Remembrance Day ceremonies are open, crowded and deliberately unguarded in spirit — which is precisely why police flood them with officers. A replica firearm and a fake badge at the cenotaph is the scenario that deployment exists for, and it was spotted by the officers on the ground, not after the fact.

Image: Illustrative image.

Sources