City of Talladega Blog

(Talladega, AL) The City of Talladega Police Department encourages parents and children to avoid purchasing toy guns that resemble real guns.  Police Chief Diane Thomas warns that realistic-looking toy guns can be dangerous and possibly deadly.

“We recently received calls regarding a large group of youth playing outside with guns that appeared to be real. Although our officers investigated and discovered that the guns were not real, the incident could have led to a tragedy,” said Chief Thomas. “An armed person might have felt frightened and reacted before realizing that the guns were not real. It is important for parents and youth to know that many people wielding toy guns have been shot and killed by someone who felt threatened.”

Interim City Manager Danny Warwick shares her concern. “Councilwoman Vickey Hall recently called me regarding youth in our community carrying toy guns that look real. This is a serious concern that the city is committed to addressing.  We are sending messages to encourage parents to help keep their children safe by monitoring their purchases.”

Chief Thomas notes that kids who play with realistic-looking toy guns may not distinguish between toy guns and real guns. “Children accustomed to playing with toy guns that look real might easily mistake a real gun for a toy gun. So, first of all, if you buy your child a toy gun, make sure that it is very obviously a toy.  Also, be sure to unload and properly store real guns in a safe or lockbox with the bullets in a separate location.”

City leaders believe gun safety messages are particularly important as summer approaches and youth will be out of school and eager to play outside.