Police swarm SAIT campus amid reports of armed man, later found to have handgun-shaped lighter

Calgary police swarmed theSAITPolytechniccampus Wednesday, following reports that a man was makingthreats with whatappeared to be a firearm,which turned out to be a handgun-shaped lighter.

Officers responded shortly before noon to the Heritage Hall building at SAIT's main campus after receiving a report that aschool employee had been threatened by a man with a weapon.

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Campus security and policeboth searchedfor the suspect anddetermined quickly that he had left the campus shortly after making the threat.

The campus was not lockeddown, police said.

A short whilelater, officers found the suspect athome in the community of Sandstone and took him into custody.

He was found to have a lighter in the shape of a handgun inhis possession.

Journalism student Zach Laing saidpolice were carrying rifles as they searched the campus.

"They told everybody to remain calm and to stay where they were," Laingsaid.

Business student DusankaMaric said the heavy police response made the situation feel tense.

"They were in their fullcombat gear... so kind of a scary thing to see," Maricsaid.

"Not a thing you want to see every day."

Police said the investigation continues andcharges are pending.

Anyone with information about the incidentwho has not already spoken to investigators is asked to contact the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at403-266-1234or Crime Stoppers anonymously.