SHAWANO, WI – Shawano police are warning the public about the dangers of realistic-looking replica guns after a recent incident where officers could not immediately tell if a weapon was real or not.
Police say the encounter involved what turned out to be a replica firearm, but at the time, officers had to treat it as a real threat. The situation could have ended tragically, highlighting the risks these items pose when carried in public.
“These replicas, whether they’re BB guns, airsoft, or toys, can be impossible to tell apart from real firearms, especially in tense situations,” said Shawano Police Chief Mike Musolff. “It put the person carrying it, the officers, and the public in serious danger. Keep these out of the public spaces.”
Authorities stress that even in minor encounters, the presence of a realistic replica can escalate tensions quickly. Police are urging parents and guardians to talk to their children about the risks and to ensure these items are used only in safe, private settings.
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