Juvenile Arrested After Displaying BB Gun In Downtown Naugatuck: PD

NAUGATUCK, CT — A juvenile was arrested Saturday after they displayed a BB gun designed to look like a pistol near a restaurant downtown, according to police.

In a Facebook post, police said officers were called to the area near Duchess Family Restaurant around 4 p.m. after a witness reported a dispute among a group of at least five local juveniles with a firearm.

Officers found three of the juveniles involved, each between 16 and 17 years old. The juveniles had disposed of the firearm before police arrived in the area, however a K9 officer was able to find a pistol that was later determined to be a lookalike BB gun, police said.

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The identities of the juveniles were not released by police due to their ages.

According to police, the juvenile determined to be in possession of the BB gun was charged with carrying a dangerous weapon, first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree breach of peace and interfering with an officer.

Police also noted the danger these types of lookalike pistols pose for both juveniles and adults.

"If they are being used during a criminal endeavor, a police officer may have to make a spilt-second judgement to determine the difference between these pistols and functional firearms, a distinction made nearly impossible in that moment," police said on Facebook. "Please do not encourage the negligent use of any firearm, real or fake, to a juvenile and instead educate them on the seriousness of the situation and potential risks they pose not only to themselves or our officers, but the public as well."

Further information can be found on the Naugatuck Police Department Facebook page.