Shawn Bertke, manager of Rich's Pawn Shop in Dayton, Ohio, has two guns for sale that look virtually alike. At left is a $45 Crosman BB gun; the other is a $1,200 real AR-15 rifle. (Chris Stewart/Dayton Daily News/MCT) (Chris Stewart)
NJ dot com
Atlantic City officials voted last week to ban the sale of toy guns.
Gladys Luardo-Hemple said she doesn't allow her grandchildren to play with the toy guns, and believes children need to learn what they are, even if they are fake.
"Parents need to talk to the kids and explain the dangers of guns," Gladys Luardo-Hemple said. "Some of these toys look so sophisticated, they look real."
The ban, introduced by Police Lt. James Sarkos to Atlantic City Council, prohibits the sale, possession or use of any imitation firearms, except for non-firing antiques and film prop guns.
Paulsboro Police Chief Chris Wachter said he doesn't know how much of an impact the ban would have until a study was conducted.
"It's a very serious issue across the country, the toy guns are very realistic in the weight, the way they're designed," Wachter said. "If it didn't have the bright orange tip, you'd have no idea it was a toy AK-47."
