Portsmouth police were called to Wayne Hills after a woman reported that two children had been shot with what turned out to be an airsoft gun.
The call came in around 7:30 p.m.
The caller told police a male had shot a 10-year-old in the stomach and a 6-year-old in the hip with a BB gun.
When officers investigated, they spoke with both sides.
The man involved told police the item was an airsoft gun. He said he was shooting in the direction of the juveniles but claimed he was not intentionally trying to hit them.
Police passed that information along to the caller, who said she did not want to pursue charges at that time. She only wanted the man advised.
Officers warned him about the safety concerns involving firearms, including airsoft guns, and the danger of shooting in the direction of children.
Airsoft guns, BB guns, pellet guns, and gel blasters may be treated like toys by some people, but they can still hurt someone. A shot to the eye, face, head, stomach, or another sensitive area can cause serious injury, especially to younger children.
They can also create panic if someone mistakes them for a real gun.
The basic rule is simple: do not shoot toward children, pets, homes, cars, windows, playgrounds, or anyone who has not clearly agreed to play and is wearing proper eye protection.
In this case, no charges were reported, but police made it clear that “I didn’t mean to hit them” is not a safety plan.
