Visalia man arrested after reports of carrying BB gun, police say

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A man is in custody after police say he was riding a bicycle while carrying a BB gun in Visalia.

Police responded to multiple reports of a man wearing a bulletproof vest and holding a gun near the Downtown area.

Officers conducted an extensive search of the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods.

The suspect was arrested and was identified as 34-year-old Josue Flores.

Police report the rifle Flores was flaunting was actually a BB gun designed to replicate a firearm.

Flores was taken to a hospital for pain in his leg.

Once Flores is medically cleared, he will be booked for various charges including brandishing an imitation firearm.