South Fulton County

South Fulton police urge parents to talk to their children about improper use of toy guns

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — The City of South Fulton Police Department is warning parents and teens about popular toy guns that have been used recently in several incidents where police have been called.

Officers have responded to several calls and received citizen complaints about the toy guns, known as Orbeez Guns or Splatball Guns.

The toy weapons shoot small, colorful gel-filled pellets.

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Many teens gather together and play games as teams, similar to playing paintball.

But police warn the public that criminal charges may arise if the pellets are deliberately fired at strangers or as an act of harassment or bullying.

Police have received numerous complaints from people who say they have been hit with pellets fired by people in passing vehicles.

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South Fulton police have also received reports of teens chasing each other in vehicles in an attempt to shoot each other with pellets.

The department urges parents to talk to their children and make sure they understand they should never fire the pellets at someone who hasn’t agreed to take part in the game they are playing; do not shoot the pellets as a way to bully, harass, or intimidate someone; do not shoot pellets at animals or at anyone’s property; never play a game that involves chasing each other in vehicles; and to understand that criminal charges filed against a 17-year-old is public record and will remain a part of their criminal history unless removed through judicial action.

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