Realistic toy guns cause confusion for local law enforcement

HENDERSON, Tenn. — Officers have been receiving calls about teenagers playing a game that could lead to someone getting hurt.

“People getting out of the car with what the caller said was assault rifles shooting at each other. And then when our officers get there they will learn that it’s just a basically teenagers playing a game with orby guns,” said City of Henderson Assistant Police Chief, Tim Crowe.

Crowe says that these incidents have been in various locations around the city and suggests to play this game somewhere others are aware.

“If you’re going to do this go to predetermined safe location and play your game and have fun. Don’t be stopping in the streets shooting at one another don’t be hanging your rifle or pistol out the window and shooting at each other,” said Crowe.

Another problem is that these guns were once brighter colors and have now been painted to seem realistic.

“We have had a few incidents so far where we have found some that have been painted black or silver or a combination of black and silver. Which makes them look like a real handgun or assault rifle. Typically whenever these guns are sold, most of them are sold in bright colors,” said Crowe.

Crowe is asking that parents have a conversation with their children that may be playing. He is worried about what would happen if someone confused these toy guns for real ones.

“I would hate for one of these teenagers out playing a game that accidentally get shot by somebody. Then they get hurt and lose their life and then the person that legitimately defending someone would have to live with that for the rest of their life. We just want these kids to have a good time. But we want the parents to really stress to them sometimes your actions have consequences some make sure your actions are appropriate,” said Crowe.

Crowe also shares that this has been a trend for years however is the first that Henderson is having this problem.

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