Toy guns becoming a concern in Laurel

LAUREL, Miss. - A concerned citizen notified the Laurel Police Department about kids playing with toy guns around the city.

The guns the kids were using looked almost identical to real guns, which can possibly be troubling for others who have no idea.

Laurel Police Officer, Cpt. Tommy Cox said, "These look like guns. Toys should look like toys and guns should look like guns. And what I got back here, if someone pulls it on you, especially in a lower light situation, you're not going to be able to take five minutes to examine it and think about their motives."

Cox said they have not received any complaints of kids using toy guns.

But, police believe there can potentially be a high risk of safety concerns in certain situations.

"In a half-second decision when you're going to defend yourself because you think you got somebody pointing something at you that looks like a real weapon, gosh that would be something tough to go through. And, I don't want any officer or regular citizen to have to make that decision," said Cox.

Cox said parents should make an informed decision and to think about the possible consequences before purchasing a toy gun for their children.

Cox also said kids should not play with toy guns in a suburban area, but in a controlled safe setting.