Gander RCMP response prompted by teen playing Airsoft

A report of a man carrying a long gun and dressed in camouflage attire in Gander on Sunday prompted an aggressive response from RCMP.

But it turns out the suspected gunman was a teenager coming home from an Airsoft sporting event with some friends.

Investigators have identified a male, 15, as the person who prompted police to mobilize in large numbers in the area of Edinburgh Avenue.

The youth was carrying an Airsoft gun, a replica firearm that fires spherical projectiles about half the size of an M&M.

Airsoft guns are often modelled after popular assault rifles such as the AK-47 or the M-16.

A taxi driver observed the youth walking east on the street, and quickly called the RCMP.

Officers from multiple detachments in the region responded, setting up road blocks and checking vehicles.

The officers carried high-powered weapons and new body armour issued in response to a deadly shooting in Moncton, N.B., in June 2014 that resulted in the death of three RCMP officers.

The officers were unable to locate any suspects Sunday, but had more luck on Monday as the investigation continued.

In a news release issued Tuesday, the RCMP said no crime was committed, but officers did have a talk with the teen about being more discreet when transporting his Airsoft gun.

"It was explained to the youth that such behaviour could incite public response so precautions to contain firearms from public view would be best," the release stated.