This week, a Kent police officer counseled a 17-year-old after a BB gun incident on Kent Kangley Road.
Police said that Officer A. Davis responded to a 911 call reporting that a man had been hit by a BB gun round while walking. Although the man was not injured, he provided a description of the vehicle from which the shot was fired. He did not have the license plate number, however Officer A. Davis did some sleuthing and was able to ascertain the likely license plate for the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was registered to a Kent address.
“Many people owned bb guns when they were kids,” police said. “Most of us used them, along with slingshots, rocks, and frozen pinecones, to knock over cans or maybe hit a paper plate.”
Fast forward to today, and bb guns increasingly look more like real guns and can cause some serious issues when not handled with due care in public.
Through investigation, Officer Davis identified the vehicle’s likely license plate and traced it to a Kent address. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the registered owner and his 17-year-old son, who admitted responsibility for the incident. The teenager explained that he and a friend were “shooting each other” with BB guns inside the car and that one round must have accidentally exited the open window.
The boy was apologetic and contrite, and his father assured Officer Davis that his son would face discipline. The 911 caller was satisfied with this resolution.
Officer Davis highlighted the importance of handling BB guns, toy guns, and replica firearms responsibly. Such items can easily be mistaken for real weapons, leading to serious consequences.
“We all did stupid things as teenagers, and there is a difference between doing something dumb, and purposely seeking to harm others. This case is thankfully the former,” police added.
Parents are encouraged to educate their children on the dangers of brandishing these items in public and to ensure they are used only in safe, appropriate settings.
