NEEDHAM, MA — Police are urging parents to avoid purchasing realistic-looking toy firearms for their children after officers encountered what appeared to be a real rifle at a local business.
The Needham Police Department issued a community safety message following an incident in which officers came across a gel blaster that was indistinguishable from an actual firearm.
The toy had no safety markings, no bright colors and no indicators that would help officers or bystanders recognize it as a toy, according to police.
Police said the item looked like a real rifle from 40 to 50 feet away, especially when pointed at people.
The incident ended without anyone getting hurt, but police said that was a matter of luck.
Officers said they are forced to make split-second decisions with limited information in such situations.
Police said this was not the first incident involving realistic gel blasters in the community.
The department is asking parents and guardians to know what their children are buying, check for safety markings and bright colors, and avoid anything that resembles a real firearm.
Police also urged community members to have conversations with children about responsibility and safety.
