Nice weekend, not

[cudamank]

so my son, 11 is out with his friends playing and another kid comes out of a house. (not sure of age) and shoots my son and his friend with an airsoft gun. Now I know its not a BB gun, or larger, but it did leave a good mark, and really upset the two boys. He came home let me know where it happened, and we walked back over. I know probably not right, but how we settled things when we grew up. Knocked on the door. Teen, half dressed with female teen, also almost dressed answers, ask him to speak with parents, none home. Ask if the younger boy is home, "uh not sure." Asked when parents would be home, no idea. As walking away see boy in question standing in front of picture window inside the house.

So called the local pd to report it, over reaction? Probably. Dispatcher was like well it was just an airsoft? Just asked if this is something they would want to handle or is this something I need to. Just want my son to be able to play in our own neighborhood without being shot at by any thing or anyone.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

These sort of things are difficult to handle but need addressed. Lack of supervision and lack of respect for a "firearm" can lead to future disaster. I've seen it happen, young kid with no Dad or resposible adult had no respect for firearms, later it led to a death of a fellow hunter because he was "playing" with the hammer on a Win 30-30.

 

[charlie sherrill]

Those things can cause serious damage to an eye. If it was not possible for you to talk to a parent without starting something else then it would be proper to have a LEO talk to them. Even though the other side would probably dislike a visit by a LEO, in most cases they would take care of the problem. In the other cases it would inflame a situation even more. It's really your call as to whether to file a complaint or not.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

These things must always be nipped in the bud, otherwise the perpetrators see they can get away with it and keep on doing it.

 

[scooter123]

Get the PD involved.

Thirty years ago it was normal to talk to the parents about something like this. However, times have changed and odd are the parents won't care enough to correct something like this as it should be, they'll probably blow you off or deny it was their "baby".

Since arguing with a wall, or closed mind is pointless, let the PD give this "family" the wake up call that is obviously badly needed.

 

[venomballistics]

I am a supporter of airsoft for its sport as well as the usefulness of these guns in teaching gun handling ...
but in the case of non consensual fire such as this case, BURN that sack of puke.
Its jack wagons like him that give the real practitioners of the sport a bad name.

 

[ArcticFox]

My grandsons spent much of the summer playing war with airsoft guns but there were some rules and eye protection was necessary. To shot an unprepared person without eye protection would have led to serious consequences.

 

[2152hq]

You already did your part in trying to handle it and got as far as the front door, two semi naked teens and no answers.
Time for the PD to have a talk with the baby sitters there, the parents if there are any and the kid with the airsoft.
Someone is supposed to be supervising that kid and so far it isn't anyone inside that house..

 

[Bekeart]

In addition to involving the PD, talk with child protection services ( not sure of correct name in your location ) about child neglect and lack of supervision.

Bekeart

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Every parent has their own way of dealing with these things. I would make sure the parent(s) knew (face to face) but I wouldn't have either kid present during the discussion, nor would I involve the police or other authorities at this point.

When I was a kid there were no airsoft guns but there were plenty of rocks and slingshots. Hit someone with a rock and you better be prepared to fight. Kids came home with a black eye or a bloody nose... and usually had a new friend too.

 

[buck460XVR]

Every parent has their own way of dealing with these things. I would make sure the parent(s) knew (face to face) but I wouldn't have either kid present during the discussion, nor would I involve the police or other authorities at this point.

When I was a kid there were no airsoft guns but there were plenty of rocks and slingshots. Hit someone with a rock and you better be prepared to fight. Kids came home with a black eye or a bloody nose... and usually had a new friend too.

I tend to agree. As kids we all do something foolish.........once. When confronted by our parents and told it is wrong we generally stopped. Sounds like you do not know the family or the situation, just assumed the worst case scenario. Two teens home with a preteen is not child neglect or endangerment......it is normal. How they were dressed or how they reacted to someone they do not know is irrelevant. Avoiding a confrontation between their little brother and a adult without their parents being home and being vague about their whereabouts does not seem irresponsible, but just the opposite since they had no knowledge of who you were or what your intentions were. Was the child in question acting in a manner that was dangerous? Sure he was. Did he know any better or did his parents advocate this behavior? You don't know.....cause you didn't talk to his parents. My son and his friends all had airsoft at that age. Many were the day they had capture the flag in someone's back yard. Many also were the days when someone new did something irresponsible(such as shooting someone at close range or shooting at someone without proper protection). It always only took one time of a parent's stern reprimand to solve the problem. I think you need to give the kid and his parents the benefit of the doubt. Chances are, like most kids with airsoft guns, he's not gonna automatically turn into a gangbanger. I'd talk to the parents first and then if the problem persists and escalates, I'd get the police involved.

 

[cudamank]

The police did come by last night. Spoke with both first, then one spoke with my son. They both were concerned and talked with my son about the importance of gun safety. Basically they said they would go talk with the other parents, if home, and would continue till they made contact. As long as the point got across that this behavior isn't going to be tolerated, then that's where it will end.

They had asked John jr, if he had an airsoft, he replied no he had a BB gun. When asked if he has had it out in the neighborhood, he told them no, my dad says its only for out in the country or at the range and I keep it locked in the safe. They had good words for him and I appreciate the time they spent with him.

Here's hoping for a quiet Monday.