Air Soft Rifles Mistaken for the Real Thing

Over the last few months, the Phoenix Police have responded to an increased number of calls related to suspicious persons walking through neighborhoods, parks, and desert wash areas with assault rifles in hand.

When officers arrive, they encounter “suspicious” individuals wearing combat style clothing with air soft guns that appear to be assault rifles.

They’re actually toy guns, but people call the police when they see these people walking through areas with air soft guns.

Neighbors don’t always know the “war games” are fake.

“We’re not trying to demonize the game or demonize the toys, but use it properly and use it safely so no one gets hurt,” said Sgt. Steve Martos.-[source]