UPDATE 9:25 p.m.: Captain Steve Watson of the Eureka Police Department said that his office is now submitting the case to the District Attorney’s Office for review. The DA, Watson said, will review whether criminal charges in the three incidents where the suspect was believed to be brandishing a weapon in public should be filed. 

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Original post: A man detained yesterday near 5th and T Street in Eureka for brandishing a weapon that turned out to be a BB gun has been stopped three times for similar incidents in the last month, said Captain Steve Watson of the Eureka Police Department. 

Officers today determined that yesterday’s incident was tied to earlier incidents—one of which occurred last Wednesday near S Street and one which occurred several weeks ago on Myrtle Avenue.

“We are really concerned that the potential for tragedy is high,” explained Watson.

The replica gun from the first incident looked similar to an Uzi, Watson said. Because it had been waved around in public, it had been taken from the individual after he was detained. The second replica gun had not been taken because the man had not been positively identified as brandishing it but had been transferring it publicly from one bag to another. This replica weapon was apparently the one brandished yesterday. “These guns look very real—enough that we had panicked callers,” said Watson.

He pointed out that officers can’t usually tell whether a gun is a replica until they observe it up close. “You never have any way of knowing if it is real or a replica til you put your hands on it,” he said. 

Watson said that officers are in the process of determining if the individual has “mental health issues or poor judgement.” 

Watson offered information on how people should react if they see someone brandishing what they think is a gun. 

First, he said, get distance between yourself and the individual. Then call 911 as quickly as possible with an accurate description—note the direction of travel the suspect is headed as well as identifying clothing and characteristics to help officers pick out the individual when they arrive on scene.

Most importantly, Watson said, precisely report what you see. Don’t make assumptions about what the individual is doing. Report only what you actually observe. He stressed that it is extremely helpful if the observer is “accurate, detailed and timely” in their reporting.

Officers talking with individual detained yesterday for brandishing a replica gun. [Photo by Christine Carlson.]

Previously:Man Waving Gun Arrested in Eureka