KC
August 2, 2003, 04:00 PM
Article on CTNow.com (http://www.ctnow.com/news/custom/newsat3/hc-01074538.apds.m0846.bc-ct--bbguaug01,0,1926771.story?coll=hc-headlines-newsat3) (I added the boldface, but didn't correct the spelling.)
Mayor: Wal-mart Will Pull BBb Handguns From Norwalk Shelves
10:21 AM EDT,August 1, 2003
Associated Press
NORWALK, Conn. -- Wal-Mart is pulling pistol-style BB guns from its shelves in Norwalk, and a major sports retailer is considering doing the same as police try to halt a rash of vandalism and assaults with the air-powered handguns.
The world's largest retailer will remove two models that look like high-caliber automatic weapons, Mayor Alex Knopp told The Advocate of Stamford.
The Sports Authority, the nation's largest sports retailer, is considering a similar move regarding seven models carried in its Norwalk store, city officials said.
"All in all, the city will be a much safer place because the weapons will be less available," Knopp said.
In recent weeks, police have reported dozens of incidents involving BB guns or pellet guns. Several arrests have been made for carrying or firing the weapons, which are considered firearms under state law, according to Sgt. Stephen Couture, commander of the department's Youth Bureau.
The air-powered weapons cost between $40 and $110 and have caused about $5,000 in property damage recently, police said.
A Danbury teenager and a juvenile were charged Sunday after they allegedly fired at a family sitting on their front porch. No injuries were reported.
Norwalk Police Chief Harry Rilling said his officers could easily mistake the guns for their automatic pistols.
"It could result in a tragic occurrence," Rilling said.
It is illegal to sell the guns to anyone under the age of 18.
Both stores have agreed to lock up BB and pellet guns and ammunition and keep better records of each sale, police said.
KC
Mayor: Wal-mart Will Pull BBb Handguns From Norwalk Shelves
10:21 AM EDT,August 1, 2003
Associated Press
NORWALK, Conn. -- Wal-Mart is pulling pistol-style BB guns from its shelves in Norwalk, and a major sports retailer is considering doing the same as police try to halt a rash of vandalism and assaults with the air-powered handguns.
The world's largest retailer will remove two models that look like high-caliber automatic weapons, Mayor Alex Knopp told The Advocate of Stamford.
The Sports Authority, the nation's largest sports retailer, is considering a similar move regarding seven models carried in its Norwalk store, city officials said.
"All in all, the city will be a much safer place because the weapons will be less available," Knopp said.
In recent weeks, police have reported dozens of incidents involving BB guns or pellet guns. Several arrests have been made for carrying or firing the weapons, which are considered firearms under state law, according to Sgt. Stephen Couture, commander of the department's Youth Bureau.
The air-powered weapons cost between $40 and $110 and have caused about $5,000 in property damage recently, police said.
A Danbury teenager and a juvenile were charged Sunday after they allegedly fired at a family sitting on their front porch. No injuries were reported.
Norwalk Police Chief Harry Rilling said his officers could easily mistake the guns for their automatic pistols.
"It could result in a tragic occurrence," Rilling said.
It is illegal to sell the guns to anyone under the age of 18.
Both stores have agreed to lock up BB and pellet guns and ammunition and keep better records of each sale, police said.
KC