The Two Were Riding Around with Replica Firearms
SALINAS—The Salinas Police Department cited two juveniles after they were found riding around Fremont School on East Market Street on an ice cream cart bicycle that had a replica firearm in its cooler.
The Salinas Police responded to the area of Fremont Elementary School on a report that two male juveniles were seen in the area with a firearm. Officers located two 13-year-old juveniles in the area that matched the description that was given by the reporting party.
The boys were spotted near Fremont Elementary School in Salinas
The Officers detained the two juveniles, who denied having any weapons at first, but they both admitted to having replica firearms in the cooler area of the ice cream bicycle cart that they were riding.
Both replica firearms were confiscated by the Salinas Police Department and the two juveniles were cited. The two were cited for violating the City of Salinas’ code for possessing a replica firearm. The two juveniles were released to the custody of their parents.
On October 22, a Sonoma County Sheriff’s Deputy shot and killed a 13-year-old juvenile after he mistook an airsoft pellet for an assault rifle. Law enforcement all over is especially sensitive to situations involving anything that looks like a real weapon, in light of that incident.
Replica weapons, like the one confiscated, can look remarkably like the real thing.
“Salinas’ municipal code is 21-44 that defines a dangerous or deadly weapon that includes any revolver, pistol, shotgun or firearm that expels a cartridge, that includes any air guns, B-B or gas operated gun.” Salinas Police Commander Dave Crabill said.
The Salinas Police Department is still investigating this incident and is asking anyone who has information or may have seen the two juveniles with the firearms to call the Salinas Police Department at 831-758-7273.
