Police make arrest at gunpoint, recover imitation handgun

Police arrested two people at gunpoint Monday at the Collingwood Public Library.

Shortly after 3:30 p.m. OPP officers from the Collingwood and The Blue Mountains Detachment were dispatched to the Collingwood Library for a report of two parties who were observed to be in possession of what appeared to be a handgun.Officers subsequently located the two parties on First Street and conducted a gunpoint arrest, which led to the seizure of an imitation firearm.

Two people were charged as a result of the investigation.

Christina Balkenende, 34, of Collingwood is charged with possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose and Failing to Comply with Probation Order.

The accused is to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Collingwood on Dec. 6.

Tyler Brooks, 32, of Collingwood is charged with Possession of a Weapons for a Dangerous Purpose

The accused is to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Collingwood on Dec. 20.

“Imitation firearms can pose safety hazards and create fear and panic if displayed, handled or used in public places. As you can see from the attached photo, this imitation firearm looks very real which could have made this call for service result in very serious and potentially deadly consequences ,” said police. “Thankfully in this case, the quick thinking and actions of the involved officers led to the speedy arrest of the involved parties without anyone getting hurt. The outcome could have been far darker.”