We all know even the best of kids can make poor decisions and if a kid were to have one of these on their person when coming into contact with law enforcement (or anyone else that’s armed), it could potentially have dire consequences.”

RPD Facebook post

ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — Robertsdale police sent out a warning Monday on social media to parents about the dangers of realistic looking BB pistols after a pair of juveniles were arrested over the weekend amid complaints of cars being shot at.

In a post on Monday on their Facebook page, the Robertsdale Police Department posted a photo of a gun that was recovered this past weekend.

“We were contacted by several different victims regarding their cars being shot as they were driving down the road,” according to the post. “Our patrol officers were able to locate a group of juveniles in the area and those juveniles ran on foot after they realized they were seen.”

After a brief pursuit, two of the juveniles were taken into custody and charged. The officers were able to locate the gun used to shoot at the cars, identified as a BB pistol.

“The gun was tossed by the juveniles as they were trying to get away,” according to the post. “We are sharing this information with you because we would like for all parents to be fully aware of these types of toys….

“Sometimes parents purchase these for their children or their children just acquire them by whatever means, and we would just like to express to you our concern regarding them if used irresponsibly.

The guns look like the real thing. They are manufactured and marketed to mimic real guns.

“We all know even the best of kids can make poor decisions and if a kid were to have one of these on their person when coming into contact with law enforcement (or anyone else that’s armed), it could potentially have dire consequences.”

In this instance, the gun was tossed when police arrived on the scene.

“Change that up a little and say the kid pulls that gun from his wasteband while running and the officer sees this. This could quickly change to a deadly force situation. We are just asking that you be aware of our obvious concern regarding these guns.”

In an active situation, police officers must treat that gun as real until it is known for a fact otherwise.

“If your children have these, please make sure they are used responsibly …. Running around the neighborhood with one is not responsible. We want your children to be safe.”