Police incident at Newton Athletic Park on Saturday, March 30. (Image: Google Maps)

Police incident at Newton Athletic Park on Saturday, March 30. (Image: Google Maps)

Parents, kids flee Surrey park after reports of male with firearm

Surrey RCMP say it was an imitation weapon

Surrey RCMP arrested a man on Saturday afternoon for “various offences” after a gun scare triggered a stampede of panicked people during a soccer tournament at Newton Athletic Park.

“I don’t have specifics, all I know is it was an imitation firearm,” said Sergeant Chad Grieg.

He said he didn’t know if it was a toy or BB gun.

“The investigation’s ongoing – the subject has been released from police custody at this point on a promise to appear for a future court date.”

“A large athletic event was going on, I believe a soccer tournament of some sort.”

Police were called to the park at about 1:50 p.m.

The Whitecaps Adidas Cup tournament, a youth event, was taking place at the time.

Police ask anyone with information to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or solvecrime.ca.

– File by Lauren Collins


lauren.collins@surreynowleader.comLike us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram and follow Lauren on Twitter

Surrey Now Leader