Teens Accused In BB Pistol Shooting On Route 59

SPRING VALLEY, NY — An 18-year-old who police say shot someone in the face with a BB pistol has been charged in Spring Valley with first-degree assault. Police arrested two younger teens along with the 18-year-old.

The shooting took place at about 9 p.m. Sunday, in the parking lot of the Planet Fitness on Route 59. Police called to the scene said they found a male who had been shot in the face and arm.

The alleged shooter, whose name they did not release, is eligible for youthful offender status, which must be granted by a judge.

Spring Valley police also asked parents to please talk to their kids about imitation weapons and the risks they come with.

Here are tips from a Canadian police department that ran a Fake Gun, Real Danger campaign:

What is an imitation gun? An imitation gun is a copy of an actual firearm. Sometimes a fake gun is indistinguishable from a real gun because of the attention to detail. Imitations can include:

• Airsoft, BB or pellet guns
• Replica or prop guns
• Paintball guns
• Toy or novelty guns

The message is simple: Police can’t tell if your gun is real or fake. Avoid a confrontation. Don’t show imitation guns in public.