On May 27, officers were called to the area of Ironbound Park in reference to an individual on a bike being struck with some type of projectile. Police made contact with a group of juveniles in the area and located two pellet guns nearby.
While, fortunately, no one was injured in this incident, it is an important reminder about the dangers associated with toy guns. There is no way for a law enforcement officer, or anyone else, to quickly distinguish the difference between a toy gun and a real gun should they encounter someone holding a gun like those pictured with this release. The harsh reality is that an individual in possession of one of these two guns could be hurt, or worse, because someone mistakes the toy gun for a real gun.
Police encourage parents to supervise kids with toy guns. Parents should be sure kids understand the dangers associated with these guns, both from the perspective of what they can do to another person but also how it looks to a law enforcement officer or other citizen encountering someone bearing one.
Should you have any questions about firearm safety, please contact Master Officer Alan McDowell or another officer at 757-253-1800.
Contact: Stephanie Williams, Spokesperson
757-259-5173; stephanie.williams@jamescitycountyva.gov