On May 11th at around 11:00 pm, a Fresno County Sheriff’s deputy made a traffic stop on a pickup near the intersection of S. Quince and W. Tahoe Avenues in Caruthers.
During the deputy’s conversation with the driver, he noticed a pistol grip sticking out from under a seat. The deputy’s sense of imminent danger immediately rose. He was able to remove the gun from the vehicle and found it to be a replica BB pistol. However, to the naked eye it looks identical to a Smith & Wesson M&P 45, which FSO deputies carry while on duty. The BB gun was later returned to the driver.
It’s interesting to note that this gun did not have a colored tip, nor does it need to have one because it is not considered a toy. Only toy or imitation guns are required by law to have a colored tip. This is in order to let people know they are fake.
There are many replica BB / pellet guns and fake guns sold on the market today which are designed to look like its real counterpart. The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind both adults and children of the responsibilities that come with owning one of these guns. A person should never brandish or display toy and replica guns because it can easily confuse people, which may constitute a crime. Furthermore, law enforcement officers may believe it to be a real firearm and cause them to use lethal force against the person. It’s extremely important to always be aware of your surroundings while holding replica guns, toy guns and of course real guns.
