Needham police issue warning about realistic looking gel guns

"We cannot stress enough how dangerous these situations are for the public, for your children, and for our officers."

"At first glance, it is indistinguishable from a real rifle, especially from 40 to 50 feet away and being pointed at people,"

"In situations like this, police officers are forced to make split-second decisions with limited information. This incident ended without anyone getting hurt, but that was a matter of luck."

"these realistic gel blasters create risks that far outweigh any momentary fun,"

Needham police warned about realistic-looking gel guns after officers encountered one at a local business the same day. The gun appeared indistinguishable from a real rifle at about 40 to 50 feet and when pointed at people. Officers must make split-second decisions with limited information in such encounters. The incident ended with no injuries, which police said was only luck. Police reported prior encounters with similar gel guns. Authorities advised against buying realistic-looking guns lacking safety markings or bright colors. They noted that children may request these toys, but the risks outweigh any momentary fun.

Read at Boston.com