Niagara Police warn those firing replica guns at people will be criminally charged ‘for real’

Niagara Regional Police have launched an investigation into shooting incidents involving replica guns being fired at pedestrians from moving vehicles in Niagara Region.

Since the early part of this June, six incidents have been reported to police of adults and/or youth firing BB, gel shot, pellet or Airsoft guns from vehicles at people, as well buildings or cars.

The shooting incidents, which police say are believed to be unrelated and random, have occurred in St. Catharines, Port Colborne, Welland, and Niagara Falls.

Some people have been struck, but none required care at a hospital.

In one shooting incident on Tuesday (June 25) in Port Colborne, a 13-year-old male from Port Colborne was arrested after allegedly being involved in a shooting involving a gel gun from a car at a pedestrian.

Niagara police are reminding owners of these types of replica guns about the need for “responsible and safe use.”

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“Replica firearms, airsoft guns, BB/pellet guns, paint ball guns and gel shot guns can look very real,” said Niagara police. “When used during a crime or in unsafe way, they can lead to very real consequences and life altering injuries.

“They will be seized, and likely destroyed. You may be arrested and criminally charged for real.”