Interesting event in my area. Airsoft guns have also been deemed diabolical.

 

http://www.northjers....html?scpromo=1

 

Thursday, November 29, 2012

BY KAREN KLEIMANN

MANAGING EDITOR

 

After Upper Saddle River police responded to a report of a man dressed in black carrying what appeared to be a gun near a school earlier this month, they were relieved to inform residents that the person was a juvenile in possession of a foam air gun and there was no cause for alarm.

 

However, officials said while the situation could have been bad and turned out not to be, it’s a lesson for residents to be cognizant of situations such as these in which the consequences could be "devastating" as these air soft guns can be mistaken for real firearms.

 

Det. Sgt. Ed Kane said that on Nov. 9 just before 3 p.m., police responded to a suspicious person report in the area of Weiss Road and Deerfield Lane in which the individual was "wearing dark clothing and looked to be carrying a rifle" near Upper Saddle River Children’s Academy. The school, as a precaution, was put on lockdown, he said.

 

Kane said the department received numerous calls from concerned residents who reportedly saw the individual walking around with the gun.

 

A short time later, with assistance from the Montvale Police Department, "the individual was located and was found to be a juvenile in possession of a black, air soft rifle," he said.

 

While an identification card is not required to purchase these types of guns in the state, police warn that though these guns appear to be toys, in fact, they can cause injury to others and property, and residents should be advised of the risks of owning one.

 

In Upper Saddle River, there is an ordinance that prohibits anyone from discharging, setting off or firing any gun, pistol or firearm in the municipality.

 

Being in possession of an air soft gun still carries the possibility of criminal charges, such as possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, disorderly conduct, possession of an imitation firearm and causing false public alarm.

 

If a person is found guilty, regardless of age, penalties can include community service, fines and jail time.

Officials said they "strongly discourage" purchasing air soft guns or any imitation for individuals younger than 18, but those who choose to have one are asked to ensure it’s secure and is only used in a "controlled environment, with adult supervision and proper safety equipment."

since djg0770 took . I'll go with

What's wrong with that article?

 

Doesn't seem alarmist, states relevant facts that people might not now about Air Soft guns, and gives decent advice.

 

Am I missing something?

People calling police on kids playing...and the pussification of Amerika continues.

In Upper Saddle River, there is an ordinance that prohibits anyone from discharging, setting off or firing any gun, pistol or firearm in the municipality.

 

Being in possession of an air soft gun still carries the possibility of criminal charges, such as possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, disorderly conduct, possession of an imitation firearm and causing false public alarm.

1) Not a state issue but Twp issue. I'm reading this as if kids are playing airsoft in their back yard and a neighbor gets pissed about it b/c maybe a pellet hit their house, car or trash can the can call the cops and this could be considered a violation of their discharge laws. 2) Now I don't know the facts but this kid can be charged with false public alarm for walking with an airsoft gun.

It alarms me that people are alarmed and call the police on kids playing. Can they be charged with false public alarm too?

I could understand the police being called if the kid was pointing it in the direction of passing cars or snooping through bushes but walking down the street. And technically the people who did call created a false public alarm by having the school put on lockdown. Now can I blame the school for being put on lock down, no. You really can't be too careful b/c honestly there are some crazy F's out there..

In Upper Saddle River, there is an ordinance that prohibits anyone from discharging, setting off or firing any gun, pistol or firearm in the municipality.

 

Being in possession of an air soft gun still carries the possibility of criminal charges, such as possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, disorderly conduct, possession of an imitation firearm and causing false public alarm.

1) Not a state issue but Twp issue. I'm reading this as if kids are playing airsoft in their back yard and a neighbor gets pissed about it b/c maybe a pellet hit their house, car or trash can the can call the cops and this could be considered a violation of their discharge laws. 2) Now I don't know the facts but this kid can be charged with false public alarm for walking with an airsoft gun.

 

You can be charged with most of those for carrying a frying pan, a filet knife, or a baseball bat - under the right circumstances. You can be charged with "armed" just for alluding to the fact that you have a weapon, but not have one at all.

 

I think putting this in the article is good. Let's parents and kids and other Airsoft owners know that a toy can still get you in trouble.

 

An airsoft gun is not a firearm, the municipal discharge laws should not apply. However, if they break a neighbors window, or dent a car, then criminal mischief charges can be filed. Just like they could of it was done with a brick, a baseball, or a rock. Harassment fits if it happens repeatedly. Hit someone not involved in the game with a pellet - simple assault. Take out an eye of a non player - aggravated assault. Use the airsoft gun to intimidate or scare someone - terroristic threats and weapons charges galore, or possibly armed aggravating circumstances can be applied to the charge. Point it at someone who is armed - get shot.

 

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

 

It alarms me that people are alarmed and call the police on kids playing. Can they be charged with false public alarm too?

 

Sure, if what they did was unreasonable.

 

The article doesn't report it as kids playing, it was reported as 1 person walking with a rifle. Sounds reasonable to me.

 

How about the parents being responsible and teaching the kid the right way to walk to the local airsoft game, bagging/casing his toy. That's what mine taught me while walking to the woods to play Army, laser tag, paintball.

 

Doesn't say the kid was charged, so I am guessing he wasn't. He as stopped, checked out and cut loose. This is how it is supposed to work. Hopefully the kid learned a lesson and will carry his toy in a case/bag.

 

The rules and guidelines of responsible firearm ownership apply to toy guns too.

America, the land of the free and home of the pu$$ies

The story is only too apropos for our times. That's probably what bothers me the most.

This is just further documentation as to how far anti this state has become. All that's ever reported in the media is how bad guns are. The pro gun stories are far and few between. It's easy for every article like this one to immediately be taken as a call to ban something new.

Was it Massad Ayoob who said; "It's okay to have fun in the barn, as long as you don't scare the horses?"

 

Horses in these parts are easily spooked.

In todays environment it seems a rather dumb idea to be walking past a school with a gun, even if it's a toy gun. I realize this person was a juvenile and kids often have poor judgment, but it was an irresponsible thing to do. These days no one should be "walking around" public streets with a gun in their hand... toy or not (especially past a school). It causes way too much panic and draws negative attention towards legal firearms ownership. Just because you have the right to do something doesn't mean that you shouldn't be prudent about it. Responsible gun ownership at every level is what we need to allay peoples unfounded fear of firearms. If that kid would have had his gun in a book bag or a case until he arrived at his destination (or at least stayed away from the school)... this probably would never have been an issue. If kids want to play with air-soft guns let then do it in their own back yard or another appropriate place... just not on the street. Having said that, I would hope that the police at large would not hassle an individual on their own property using an air-soft gun.

It is unfortanate that a child cannot go outside and play without any worries about being arrested for playing.. Our society has taken away our youth and flushed it down the toilet..

 

You cannot operate a boat now until you are 16 i was operating boats age 8 by myself in the back lagoons..This is what we did growing up besides playing with BB guns it would not be odd for us to walk down the street with bb guns sometimes even 8-10 kids with one..today you cannot do that at all..

We also played baseball and softball, we would round everyone up and put teams together.. try and play ball today your F,in niehbors will have a fit..go carts and dirt bikes were another hobby growing up, you cannot do that either the cops will chase you down impound your shit and fine you, Wonderfull.. what the hell is a child suppose to do these day,s.. oh thats it microsoft... oh and to top it off since you are not allowed outside to play you become obese and the goverment starts controlling what you can eat and drink to try and repair a problem they created by making you stay in your home and sit on your ass..

Our society has taken away our youth and flushed it down the toilet.

 

In the back of my mind, that's really the part that bothers me the most.

An airsoft gun is not a firearm, the municipal discharge laws should not apply.

 

 

f. "Firearm" means any handgun, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, automatic or semi-automatic rifle, or any gun, device or instrument in the nature of a weapon from which may be fired or ejected any solid projectable ball, slug, pellet, missile or bullet, or

any gas, vapor or other noxious thing, by means of a cartridge or shell or by the action of an explosive or the igniting of flammable or explosive substances. It shall also include, without limitation, any firearm which is in the nature of an air gun, spring gun or pistol or other weapon of a similar nature in which the propelling force is a spring, elastic band, carbon dioxide, compressed or other gas or vapor, air or compressed air, or is ignited by compressed air, and ejecting a bullet or missile smaller than three eighths of an inch in diameter, with sufficient force to injure a person.

 

The only caveat here that's applicable is "With sufficient force to injure a person". If you take an airsoft projectile to the eye that will certainly cause injury. Certainly the words "You'll put yer eye out" come to mind, but it's the truth. By the same token, the above applies to Powder Actuated Nailers...

People calling police on kids playing...and the pussification of Amerika continues.

 

More like police making bs statements and trying to justify cracking down on kids with NERF guns. The police spokesman had the chance to dismiss the caller and say it turned to be just a kid playing. Instead they advise of the "risks of owning one"

 

That's because the police will police anything you want them to. Like any industry, they support making more overtime for themselves.

It is unfortanate that a child cannot go outside and play without any worries about being arrested for playing.. Our society has taken away our youth and flushed it down the toilet..

 

You cannot operate a boat now until you are 16 i was operating boats age 8 by myself in the back lagoons..This is what we did growing up besides playing with BB guns it would not be odd for us to walk down the street with bb guns sometimes even 8-10 kids with one..today you cannot do that at all..

We also played baseball and softball, we would round everyone up and put teams together.. try and play ball today your F,in niehbors will have a fit..go carts and dirt bikes were another hobby growing up, you cannot do that either the cops will chase you down impound your shit and fine you, Wonderfull.. what the hell is a child suppose to do these day,s.. oh thats it microsoft... oh and to top it off since you are not allowed outside to play you become obese and the goverment starts controlling what you can eat and drink to try and repair a problem they created by making you stay in your home and sit on your ass..

 

+1

The only caveat here that's applicable is "With sufficient force to injure a person". If you take an airsoft projectile to the eye that will certainly cause injury. Certainly the words "You'll put yer eye out" come to mind, but it's the truth. By the same token, the above applies to Powder Actuated Nailers...

 

the most ridiculous thing that I think of here is that contractors brake the law each day. Nail guns are legally no different than firearms under our moronic laws

this is getting out of control... a few weeks ago, when the weather was really nice, the kids down the street were outside playing with their toy guns in the street.... no one panicked or called the police... i even said to myself.. GOOD FOR YOU GUYS..... this country needs a manly overhaul, maybe some surgeries to replace the missing testicles!!!!

this is getting out of control... a few weeks ago, when the weather was really nice, the kids down the street were outside playing with their toy guns in the street.... no one panicked or called the police... i even said to myself.. GOOD FOR YOU GUYS..... this country needs a manly overhaul, maybe some surgeries to replace the missing testicles!!!!

 

+1000

The article doesn't report it as kids playing, it was reported as 1 person walking with a rifle. Sounds reasonable to me.

 

I can always make a report to police that seems reasonable...with varying degrees of truth. As it turns out, that vague description of what was happening was mostly BS. It was a kid with a toy, not a non-descriptive person with a rifle...sounds less reasonable when you call and report a kid with a toy doesn't it?

 

How about the parents being responsible and teaching the kid the right way to walk to the local airsoft game, bagging/casing his toy. That's what mine taught me while walking to the woods to play Army, laser tag, paintball.

 

How about parents teaching their kids not to be irrationally afraid of toys? That is what my parents taught me.

 

More like police making bs statements and trying to justify cracking down on kids with NERF guns. The police spokesman had the chance to dismiss the caller and say it turned to be just a kid playing. Instead they advise of the "risks of owning one"

 

That's because the police will police anything you want them to. Like any industry, they support making more overtime for themselves.

 

True that.

this is getting out of control... a few weeks ago, when the weather was really nice, the kids down the street were outside playing with their toy guns in the street.... no one panicked or called the police... i even said to myself.. GOOD FOR YOU GUYS..... this country needs a manly overhaul, maybe some surgeries to replace the missing testicles!!!!

+1

My favorite place to play when I was a kid, was my school playground. We lived across the street from a school in Center City Mantua. After school hours they would leave the school yard open to the neighbor hood kids. We would hang there playing games with air soft, nerf, and cap guns. Never a problem or issue, late working teachers would pass by and wave goodbye to us. We did have more respect for other peoples property than kids have nowadays. Now it couldn't be that long ago I was doing this, I'm only 28.

My favorite place to play when I was a kid, was my school playground. We lived across the street from a school in Center City Mantua. After school hours they would leave the school yard open to the neighbor hood kids. We would hang there playing games with air soft, nerf, and cap guns. Never a problem or issue, late working teachers would pass by and wave goodbye to us. We did have more respect for other peoples property than kids have nowadays. Now it couldn't be that long ago I was doing this, I'm only 28.

Almost the same age as you, same general area of NJ and same childhood games with toy guns. The good old days........ the only question I have. Where is center city Mantua??? Mantua and the word city just don't go together! Maybe downtown Mantua???

Yeah I know City and Mantua don't go together lol. It's on the edge of Mantua more towards Mullica Hill.

Maybe it's time they teach cops the difference between a toy and real gun!

My favorite place to play when I was a kid, was my school playground. We lived across the street from a school in Center City Mantua. After school hours they would leave the school yard open to the neighbor hood kids. We would hang there playing games with air soft, nerf, and cap guns. Never a problem or issue, late working teachers would pass by and wave goodbye to us. We did have more respect for other peoples property than kids have nowadays. Now it couldn't be that long ago I was doing this, I'm only 28.

 

Play cops & robbers with your hands as "guns" now and you get suspended...

I can always make a report to police that seems reasonable...with varying degrees of truth. As it turns out, that vague description of what was happening was mostly BS. It was a kid with a toy, not a non-descriptive person with a rifle...sounds less reasonable when you call and report a kid with a toy doesn't it?

 

I agree 100%.

 

I can also tell you that in 9 years, I have never been dispatched to a call where the initial call (the information I get from dispatch that they got from the reporting party) matched what I found on scene. Ever. There is always some investigation to be done on scene. (One of my favorite FUBAR call was when I was dispatched to an ambulance call for a cut hand. I get there and it was a full on stabbing and on going knife fight.)

 

When someone calls the Police, you can't just not respond, and the dispatcher has to take every call as a face value, accurate account by the caller until the responding unit on scene says otherwise.

 

Can you imagine how furious you would be if the dispatcher told you they werent sending a Cop to you because they didnt believe what you were saying was true?

 

If what the caller reported was deliberately false, and done in an effort to cause the "subject" of the call incovenience or it created an un-necessarily dangerous response, then the caller can (and if I am involved, will) be charged. Unfortunately, both of those criteria are hard to prove and extremely subjective to say the least. I have had a few instances were this was the case and I was able to prove it. In those instances I charged the caller and brought them to court.

 

In a case like this, it is generally hard to prove that the caller was not legitimately frightened by what they saw, and called 911 with honest intentions and not and anti-gun/anti-kid/anti-whatever agenda.

 

How about parents teaching their kids not to be irrationally afraid of toys? That is what my parents taught me.[/Quote]

 

Mine did as well.

 

They also taught me that you can only be responsible for your own actions and reactions, and you can not make everyone happy all of the time.

 

Everyone had that crotchety person in their neighborhood that would keep your kickball if it went in their yard or called the police when you hopped the fence to get it. We all figured out how to get around that crotchety neighbor too. Walking past their window with a toy gun in their hand would probably illicit the same kind of response from them. Why give them a reason?

 

Being a responsible gun owner, starts with being responsible with your toy guns as a kid.

 

If I walked around with my toy guns out (especially my Entertech Water Guns, those things looked real as hell), and the police were called because of it, I knew my Dad would take them away from me when I told him what happened.

 

Maybe it's time they teach cops the difference between a toy and real gun!

 

Firstly, according to the report in the paper, this was called in by residents. It was not a self initiated Police contact. It isn't the Cops that need this education, its the reporting party/complainant.

 

Secondly, the article says nothing about the person being arrested, so since the Cop didn't jack the kid up, I figure that he/she must have known the difference between a toy and a real weapon.