Texarkana Police Warn of Danger From Realistic-Looking BB Guns

A late-night incident in Texarkana is serving as a reminder that even BB and pellet guns can have very real consequences.

As Reported By Texarkana Texas Police

According to TTPD, officers responded around 11:40 PM on July 5 after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting that a man and woman were driving near West 10th and Bowie Streets, pointing what appeared to be handguns at people.

A short time later, Sgt. Cory Motley located the vehicle in the 1500 block of Crockett Street and conducted a traffic stop. After the occupants were safely removed from the vehicle, officers found two very realistic-looking BB guns inside the car.

Although the pair reportedly denied pointing the guns at anyone, police said a witness had taken photographs showing otherwise.

DYK This Was A Even A Thing?

Twenty-nine-year-old Monica Yates and 46-year-old Jeremiah Glass were each arrested on charges of Possession of Dangerous Toys. (See Below)

Texarkana Texas Police Department

Police say Glass also allegedly gave officers a false name. After confirming his identity, officers discovered he had an outstanding probation violation warrant and was the subject of an active protective order involving Yates. He was additionally charged with Failure to Identify and Violation of a Protective Order.

Yates was released the following morning after posting a $286 bond. Glass remained in the Bi-State Jail with bonds totaling $7,286.

As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and both suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

A Reality Check on Gun Safety

This incident is a sobering reminder that BB guns, pellet guns, airsoft guns, and even some toy guns can closely resemble real firearms, especially at night, in low light, or in stressful situations.

If someone points what appears to be a gun at another person, that person has no way of knowing whether it's real. The same is true for police officers responding to an emergency call. In those split-second moments, decisions are often made based on the perceived threat, and the consequences can be deadly.

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Whether it's a real firearm or not, treating anything that looks like a gun as a toy can quickly turn a prank or poor decision into a life-changing or even life-ending situation. Firearm safety and respect for anything resembling a weapon are lessons that can save lives.

Your Child's Safety Starts With You - At Home

Ask yourself this question: If your 6-year-old found a loaded pistol in the bushes, would they know what to do?

Options:

1. Don't let their friends touch it and run and get an adult.
2. Or, pick it up and play with it?

You know your child; are you sure they would do the right thing?

Give that some thought; it's a discussion for another day, or maybe it's one you should have with your child tonight.

TTPD

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