© 2024
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
An update has been released for the Android version of the WAMC App that addresses performance issues. Please check the Google Play Store to download and update to the latest version.

New Haven Police Call For End To Dangerous "Paintball Gun War"

An example of a paintball gun
Flickr
An example of a paintball gun

Police in New Haven are calling for a ceasefire in a so-called "paintball gun war" before something tragic happens.

The department has issued a warning that many of the paintball guns resemble assault-style weapons and officers can't quickly determine if the guns are real.

Police have responded to a dozen recent calls of reported shootings in which paintball and BB-guns were involved.

Policy say some of the incidents have resulted in serious injuries.

A 10-year-old girl was recently shot in the head by a BB-gun and other incidents have prompted police to engage in dangerous pursuits, the department said.

Police are also concerned the battles, which are being conducted mostly by teenagers involved in turf or gang disputes, will escalate into use of real weapons.

Related Content