Sheriff warns about realistic toy guns after neighborhood complaints
Sheriff Jim H. Johnson urged residents to exercise caution after the Tupelo Police Department received complaints about realistic-looking toy guns being used in neighborhoods, according to a Facebook post.
Johnson named several types of toys, including “Orby guns,” gel blasters and splatter guns, and said the devices shown in the post are toy Orbeez/splatter guns. While sold as toys, many can look realistic and may be mistaken for real firearms, particularly from a distance or at night, he said.
He asked parents and guardians to talk with children about using the toys responsibly and to avoid pointing or firing them at strangers, passing vehicles or homes. Johnson said situations involving realistic-looking guns can quickly create dangerous misunderstandings for both citizens and responding law enforcement and can be costly.
He thanked the community for helping prevent incidents from escalating and encouraged anyone with concerns to contact local authorities. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
