Boston Bans Replica Handguns In Public Spaces

BOSTON (CBS) -- Boston Mayor Marty Walsh signed a city ordinance Monday that bans replica handguns from being used in public spaces.

Police Commissioner William Evans and members of the clergy joined the mayor for the signing at the Twelfth Baptist Church on Warren Street in Roxbury.

The mayor's office says the goal of the ordinance is to "make residents aware of the danger of replica handguns."

"Kids shouldn't have them on the streets," Walsh said. "It's sending a bad message, and we're asking parents to take the guns away before the police have to."

The ordinance went into effect immediately following the signing. It comes as police have taken scores of fake firearms off the streets in connection with their use in crimes.

"We've had numerous instances over the last several months where our officers have engaged in foot pursuits and have gotten into situations which...could have turned deadly," Evans said.

In April, a video was released showing officers chasing down a 14-year-old after someone called 911 saying he was waving a gun in the street.

More than 150 replica handguns have been taken off the streets by Boston Police.

During a display of how realistic the fake guns look, Reverend Jeffrey Brown said just because some of these weapons are toys, they are anything but fun and games.

"This is not a Super Soaker," he said. "This can be a very dangerous thing on a playground; not only to a police officer, but to somebody else who may have a gun whom the police are trying to get off the street."

A 12-year-old boy was fatally shot by police in Cleveland last year after brandishing what turned out to be a replica firearm.

There is mixed reaction to the move. Some residents think it's an overreach, while others want to see the guns banned outright.

"Things like that don't need to be in the stores," a city resident told Parker on Monday. "Put more educational things (in them) for the kids to learn. I think it's a good idea."

The ordinance allows police officers to confiscate replica firearms and would require the owner to pick them up at the district police station. They would not be released to anyone under 18.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker reports