The City of Lathrop Police Department provided a community safety reminder last week on the dangers of imitation firearms.

This was in response to a recent report of a juvenile who was seen riding around in one of the neighborhoods brandishing what appeared to be a rifle.

But after investigating, police determined that this firearm was a toy.

“Officers spoke with the child and the parents, and the family agreed to dispose of the toy,” local police said via social media.

While the rifle was not real, police noted that the situation highlights an important issue – under CA Penal Code 20170, it’s illegal for anyone person under 18 to carry an imitation firearm in pubic, especially if it closely resembles that one a real weapon.

Lathrop police indicated that this kind of situation can cause significant fear and confusion in the community.

“When people see someone with what looks like a firearm, especially in public places, it can lead to panic and dangerous situation,” police said.

Law enforcement officers are trained to respond to potential threats rather quickly, and carrying a toy that looks like a real weapon can put both child and others at risk.

Police are asking parents to please take this opportunity to talk to their children about the real dangers of carrying a toy weapon in public, adding: “These toys can be easily mistaken for real firearms, and the consequences could be severe.”

They’re looking to keep children and community safe by helping them to understand the potential dangers of such action.