ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Chief of St. Petersburg Police Anthony Holloway issued a warning Tuesday about the irresponsible use of pellet guns downtown.
This past weekend, more than 200 teens gathered downtown, and several of them were firing gel pellet guns in and at the crowd. At least three people were arrested on related charges.
The gel pellets struck two police officers in separate locations and a couple eating outside at a restaurant.
One gel pellet struck a Police Mounted Patrol horse, Storm, in the neck and eye. The horse is being treated for an eye injury. Fortunately, it was not serious, and no people were injured, said police.
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Police say a 22-year-old man, Gervaris Small, drove a carload of young teens up and down Beach Dr. NE, while a 14-year-old boy fired gel pellets through the sunroof at a crowd of teens.
The 14-year-old was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, and Small was charged with principal to battery on a law enforcement officer for driving the car.
“These may be toys, but I consider them dangerous when they are used irresponsibly. There is no place for them to be used in crowded public areas,” said Anthony Holloway, Chief of St. Petersburg Police.
Police collected several gel pellet guns and boxes of gel pellets dropped in the area.
Chief Holloway plans for additional officers and resources to monitor the crowds during weekend evenings.
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The gel pellets sting but generally don’t cause permanent damage unless they hit sensitive areas like the eyes. If they are discharged at cars, it may cause drivers to become distracted and crash.
The St. Petersburg Police Dept. takes these offenses seriously and advises parents not to allow children to take the gel guns downtown or to crowded areas.
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