Following 2 Recent Crimes, Newtown Police Warn Parents On BB Guns

NEWTOWN, CT — Police have taken to social media to warn Newtown parents about young people committing crimes with BB guns.

The Newtown Police Department reported that their officers made arrests in two separate incidents of young people carrying BB guns in the commission of crimes last week, according to a post on Facebook.

"Thankfully, due to the professionalism of our officers, these incidents were brought to a safe resolution," police officials said.

Also known as air guns, BB guns use compressed air to fire projectiles at speeds of up to 550 feet per second. The Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends that only children 16 years of age or older use BB guns.

"Though they do not fire bullets; statutorily, and from an officer safety standpoint many BB Guns are virtually indistinguishable from real firearms and thus are treated the same," according to Newtown police officials.

The big difference, police said, is "that these BB Guns can be purchased online at minimal cost and with little to no permissions or oversight."

BB guns are legally regarded as dangerous weapons in Connecticut, which upholds among the strictest gun laws in the country,

"If you allow your kids to own/use BB Guns, airsoft guns, or other realistic looking replica firearms, please have conversations with them about safety and responsibility," the Newtown police posted.

Upon request, the NPD will take possession of residents' unwanted replica firearms.