I guess this means cops assume any civilian with a gun is a criminal. And of course that our 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms is null and void!

Source

Airsoft guns may lead to tragedy when mistaken for real weapons

by William Hermann - Dec. 18, 2010 12:00 AM

The Arizona Republic

Phoenix police in recent months have responded to an increased number of calls related to suspicious people walking and running through neighborhoods, parks and desert-wash areas with assault rifles in hand.

"These guns are turning out to be airsoft guns, which are much like BB guns used to be, and shoot a plastic pellet," police spokesman Sgt. Steve Martos said. "But our officers see what looks like a real rifle or shotgun or pistol. It's a situation that is very dangerous and could result in a tragedy."

It already very nearly has.

About two years ago, a 16-year-old Phoenix boy with an airsoft gun was shot by police who assumed he was carrying a real weapon. The boy survived, but Martos says young people playing with airsoft guns "can put our officers in an impossible situation."

Phoenix City Councilwoman Thelda Williams said she is working with police to designate desert areas where airsoft enthusiasts can safely play.

"I have grandsons who do that (airsoft) thing, and I'm afraid for them and everyone involved," she said. "We're working with the parks department so we can designate some washes, maybe have then marked with cones, so we have safe places."

John Pehrson, who sells about 100 airsoft weapons a month at The Command Post, a Phoenix store catering to paintball and airsoft enthusiasts, said "extreme realism is a part of the attraction" of the guns.

He said all airsoft guns come with a red tip that is supposed to show they are not real weapons.

"I tell my customers they should leave the red tips on, but I can't make them do it and they often take them off," Pehrson said. "And I advise them to go to a paintball or airsoft arena, of which there are several."

"But you can't always make people do the safe thing," Pehrson said.