Police Warn Of 'Toy' Gun Social Media Craze After Child Was Shot In MA

SALEM, MA — Police in Salem are urging parents to talk with their children about the dangers of paintball, airsoft, gel blaster and water bead-splatter guns after an 8-year-old was injured after being hit with a projectile this week.

Police said the child lost a tooth after they believe he was unsuspectingly shot in the face by a group of youths.

Police said they are aware of a social media craze involving groups of youths shooting at people with these projectiles and filming their reactions.

"We would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that although paintball, airsoft, gel blaster and water bead-splatter guns are marketed as toys, their projectiles can cause bodily injury," police said. "Shooting projectiles at unsuspecting people may constitute an assault and the perpetrator can be charged with a criminal act.

"Additionally, many of these toys resemble real firearms which can cause extreme distress when pointed or brandished at people and will result in an immediate police response."

Police said parents should talk to their children "about the dangers associated with the improper use of these toys."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)