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04/27/06 |
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Recent Assaults Lead Peoria Police to Warn Parents of Risk, Laws for Air Guns Between April 20th and April 22nd, Peoria Police investigated several incidents of boys between the ages of eight and fifteen being shot with an “air soft gun” while playing outside near their homes. On April 20, a 10 and an 11 year old boy were shot near 8000 W Yucca. Suspects appeared to be Hispanic males in their late teens or early 20’s with short hair, driving a late model dark blue mid size four door car, possibly a Honda Accord or Hyundai. Shortly afer that, an 11 year old boy was shot near 8800 W Cherry Hills with an air gun by two subjects between 18-20 years of age in a green four door sedan. On April 22, in the 7400 block of W Sunnyside Dr., an 8 year old boy was shot with an air gun by occupants of a blue passenger car while riding his skate board, and minutes later three other boys (two were 6 YOA, the other 15 yoa) were also shot by occupants of a car with a similar description a few blocks away. While possession and use of this type of weapon is not regulated like other firearms, using such a weapon to inflict injury on another person is an act of assault. The listed victims did not require medical attention, but some had visible marks from the pellets used. Typically, this type of weapon fires lightweight projectiles (6mm pellets from .12 to .23 grams), but are also capable of firing heavier aluminum pellets. No pellets were recovered from the listed incidents. Although these types of weapons are often considered toys, manufacturers advise that at close range, the pellets can break the skin of a human and should never be fired towards animal or human skin or eyes, and recommend that eye protection be worn when using the weapons. Air soft weapons vary in their firing mechanisms, and can be actuated by a spring, compressed air, or even electric power, which would enable them to be used in a semi or full automatic mode. These weapons can be dangerous, and the recent cases illustrate their potential for misuse. The Peoria Police Department urges parents who have purchased or plan to purchase this type of weapon for their children to familiarize themselves with the safety precautions and supervise their children closely. If desired, there are parents from these cases willing to speak to the media, and Peoria PD has samples of these types of weapons. ### |
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