'Masked Gunman' Was Teen With Airsoft Rifle: East Bay Police Use Recent Incident As Warning To Public

EAST BAY, CA – A caller from San Ramon clearly was panicked in a 911 call where she reported a male clad in black, wearing a ski mask and carrying a large black gun on a recent night near her home.

"Keep in mind, this call was reported to our dispatch center less than 24 hours after a neighboring city had an armed carjacking which took place in close proximity to this residence," the San Ramon Police Department said.

"When our officers arrived, they found the described person hiding in bushes near the residence. Fortunately, the person followed the officer's instructions and came out unarmed. Officers quickly determined the person, who was 14 years old, was playing air-soft rifle games with four of his friends, who were all between 12 and 14 years old."

The department stressed that realistic looking airsoft guns are an immense concern as they so well replicate actual firearms.

"It is almost impossible to differentiate between some of these air-soft replicas and a real gun without physically holding or inspecting the weapon," police said.

"For those of you who are parents and have children who play with airsoft weapons, please ensure these weapons are clearly identifiable as toys and cannot be mistakenly identified as real firearms," the department said. "Also, talk with your children. Make sure they fully understand the importance of listening and obeying instructions from an officer should they ever come into contact with the police while playing airsoft alone, or with friends."

Now, as for the guns you saw in the video, the same ones pictured above, they are replica airsoft rifles, according to police. There are no real firearms in the photo.

"The point continues to be how realistic these replica guns are and the dangers of playing with them in public," the agency added.

Also see:

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• Inmate At Nearby Santa Rita Jail Allegedly Kills Cellmate
• San Quentin: Death Row Inmate Allegedly Attacks Correctional Officer

Photo, video courtesy of San Ramon Police Department