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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesCHILD ADVOCATES: GET RID OF TOY GUNS

CHILD ADVOCATES: GET RID OF TOY GUNS

In the wake of an incident in which an 8-year-old St. Croix boy was wounded playing with a toy gun and a real bullet, adults who work with children are calling on parents to think before buying their children play weapons.
Jaime Santos of the Ralph de Chabert Housing Community suffered wounds to his hand Monday after the 9-millimeter bullet he loaded in a toy handgun discharged, according to police officials. Police said the boy placed the bullet, which he found on the ground, in the gun and repeatedly pulled the trigger, causing the hammer to strike the round.
Because the fake gun didn’t have a barrel, the bullet exploded backwards, lacerating the index finger and thumb of his left hand. He was taken to Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital for treatment.
St. Croix Deputy Police Chief Novelle Francis said investigators have classified the incident as an accident.
Charles Nibbs, however, said the boy's experience was just short of a "tragic" accident. Nibbs, a police officer and a child advocate, said parents need to educate their children to the dangers of guns, real or not. He also suggested that legislation be drafted to ban the sale of toy guns in the territory.
Alli Paul, director of consumer affairs for the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs and the organizer of a mocko jumbie troupe for kids, said parents should consider purchasing a different toy rather than a play gun.
"We are asking parents to please be very careful and don’t buy your children toy guns," Paul said. "Buy educational toys instead."
Both Nibbs and Paul said incidents where adults and youths, playing with toy guns, have been wounded or killed by police is evidence enough that the fake weapons should be shunned.
Paul also appealed to retailers who carry toy guns to stop selling them.

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