Full Notification

MERIDIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 30, 2022
 
CONTACT: Kelsey Johnston, Public Safety Information Officer, [email protected]
 

 
MERIDIAN- Meridian Police Department asks parents to talk with their children about appropriate uses for toy guns and fake weapons. There has been a significant increase in reports of toy guns such as splat guns and airsoft guns being used on pedestrians and pets in the community. While these toys can be fun, using them on individuals without their permission can lead not only to injuries but also serious consequences for those involved.
 
Reports started coming in during early February of juveniles shooting passersby with battery powered water gel bead guns, more commonly known as splat guns. Soon after, reports coming in were expanded to include airsoft guns. Multiple incidents have occurred including one on the evening of March 17, 2022: as a family walked out of a restaurant, their four-year-old child was struck by water pellets from a splat gun shot out of the vehicle window by a group of juveniles. There have also been several reports of juveniles shooting these toy guns at schools, local businesses, and in public parks.
 
When playing with these toys, Meridian Police would advise:

• No shooting at people without their permission
• No shooting at other people's property including homes and vehicles
• No shooting at animals

“Parents, please be aware that many of these toy guns closely resemble, or can be altered to resemble real life deadly weapons. A simple prank could easily turn into a deadly situation. Toy guns that mimic a real-life deadly weapon should never be displayed out in the public, in a public park, or on a school campus at any time. Never play a game that involves chasing each other in vehicles, as this seemingly harmless fun could quickly turn tragic. The key is prevention, so please talk with your kids, your teenagers, and ask them to think first and use common sense,” said Lieutenant Mark Ford.
 
Individuals involved have begun pressing charges against those involved in these incidents with charges ranging from Misdemeanor Battery to Felony Injury to Child. It is critical that parents talk with their children about the proper use of these toys and the potential consequences of misuse. The Meridian Police Department’s mission is to provide the highest quality service in partnership with the community to preserve and protect life and property through education, prevention and enforcement.  The department has 133 police officers and 41 non-sworn staff dedicated to making Meridian a great place to live, work and raise a family.