Stillwater NewsPress

Crime Beat

February 9, 2010

Stillwater police urge parents to monitor children's BB gun use

Police could mistake fake guns for real ones

STILLWATER, Okla. — Stillwater police are asking parents to monitor children's use of BB guns and toy guns, which can be confused with real firearms.

From a distance or from close-up, police can sometimes mistake fake guns for real ones, according to police Chief Norm McNickle. 

A Brooklyn man was shot Feb. 8 by police officers who thought the BB gun he raised was a lethal firearm. 

"Although the Stillwater Police Department hasn't been involved with any violent encounters involving this type of weapon, we do encounter these guns being carried by children and young adults and have observed them in vehicles," McNickle said.

The chief says parents should talk to their children about the proper use of toy guns. If an officer spots you or your child with a toy gun, calmly inform the officer that it is not a lethal firearm, he said, and follow the officer's instructions.

Anyone with questions can call the Stillwater Police Department firearms coordinator at 405-372-4171.

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