Mounties in Campbell River say they have received several reports of teens in vehicles shooting water gel blasters or airsoft guns at people, and warn that these actions could cause injury and easily go beyond harmless pranks.
Police say that over the past several weeks, they’ve received a report of “gel blaster and airsoft drive-by shootings,” which in some cases have struck people in the face and neck.
In one incident, sunglasses saved a victim from being hit in the eye, according to RCMP.
“Realistically, the young people carrying out these shootings think they are just having a bit of fun. However, there is a very real chance of injury even with the water pellets or plastic bb pellets that these guns shoot,” said Campbell River RCMP Const. Maury Tyre.
“Simply put, if it can hurt you, even in a minor fashion, it’s just not OK, and the police will address it accordingly.”
Mounties say that the people shooting the blasters or airsoft guns could be charged with assault with a weapon, as well as the driver.
The driver could also face other offences under the Motor Vehicle Act, including a licence suspension for most Novice, or “N,” drivers.
Anyone with information on the recent drive-bys is asked to contact the Campbell River RCMP at 250-286-6221.
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Adam Chan
