Natomas Teen Nearly Shot By Police In Airsoft Gun Scare
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Cops in Natomas had their guns drawn and were just moments away from shooting a teenager who they thought had an assault rifle.
The orange tip so important to distinguish the airsoft gun from the real thing, and for one teenager not having it on his replica weapon almost cost him his life.
The gun weighs the same as a real weapon, looks the same as a real weapon and it sounds like a real gun.
The orange tip symbolizes it's a safe toy. But without that tip, Sacramento police say they came close to opening fire on a teen at Westlake Park in Natomas on Sunday.
After a 911 call of a person armed with a gun, officers found the boy toting a weapon with the orange tip removed.
Police ordered the 15-year-old to show his hands. Instead, they say he picked up the weapon. And unsure whether it was a "real" assault rifle, officers almost opened fire.
"If they take the tip off, they are opening themselves up to a lot of trouble," said airsoft expert Don Reed. "It could have killed that boy real easily, and he (the officer) would have been justified."
The teen dropped the gun and wasn't hurt. But officers say the incident serves as an important reminder to parents who purchase these type of toys.
The teenager was released to his parents and police say the parents were very apologetic.
