Popular toys guns are causing problems for Chatham County residents and police.
On Monday, the Chatham County Police Department issued a press release warning parents and teens about misuse of paintball-style guns that shoot small, colorful gel-filled or water pellets.
CCPD has received complaints from people who have been struck by the pellets shot by people in passing vehicles. In one particular incident, a juvenile, who left visible marks from splatter gun pellets on someone who later complained, was arrested by CCPD officers and charged with battery and reckless conduct.
Credit: https://www.amazon.com/SplatRball-Water-Bead-Blaster-Orange/dp/B08MJJGNK5
Credit: https://www.amazon.com/SplatRball-Water-Bead-Blaster-Orange/dp/B08MJJGNK5
CCPD also reports that teens have been "chasing each another in vehicles attempting to hit each other with the pellets."
With the incidents stacking up, CCPD urged parents to talk to their teens about the proper use of these devices. In the press release, CCPD also recommended kids understand the following before using the toy guns:
1. Never shoot the pellets at someone who hasn’t agreed to be part of the game you’re playing.
2. Do not shoot the pellets as a way to bully, harass, or intimidate someone.
3. Do not shoot the pellets at animals or someone else’s property.
4. Never play a game that involves chasing each other in vehicles — harmless fun could quickly turn into a tragic traffic accident.
5. Understand that in Georgia’s legal system, an adult is anyone 17 years or older. That means any criminal charges filed against a 17-year-old is public record and will remain part of a criminal history — unless removed through judicial action.
Drew Favakeh is the public safety and public health reporter for Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at AFavakeh@savannahnow.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Chatham County Police issue safety warning for popular toy gel-pellet guns
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