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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2005-04-27, Page 261 Wednesday, April 27, 2005 Exeter Times–Advocate 25 BB guns are weapons that can kill By Stephanie Mandziuk TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — A Huron County farmer is the lat- est victim of an attack where a BB or pellet gun was used. The farmer's unnerv- ing experience occurred on the evening of April 18 on a section of farm- land near Mill Road in Bluewater. Huron OPP say he had just finished plowing a field near the intersec- tion of Mill Road and Airport Line. A vehicle drives by heading west. Someone inside the vehi- cle fires shots at the tractor, taking out the left window. Police have no descrip- tion of the suspect vehi- cle and are hoping some- one can step forward with information to help in their investigation. • On March 26 two youths riding their bicy- cles on the sidewalk, off Gidley Street in Exeter, are approached by a Ford Explorer with four people inside. The victims feel some- thing hit them and notice a person inside the vehi- cle holding what appears to be a gun. As the vehicle takes off down the street, the vic- tims get a license plate number. Police track the vehicle to the owner's residence in South Huron. Police say the weapon used in the assault is a fully automatic soft air gun that fires plastic BB's. Police learn the gun had been destroyed after the incident. In this case a 16 -year- old male from South Huron is charged with two counts of pointing a firearm, two counts of assault with a weapon and one count of public mischief. • In October 2004 someone inside a vehi- cle, heading north on Main Street in Exeter, takes shots at the Sunoco gas bar. The attendant is standing in the doorway of the build- ing, three feet away from a window that is pene- trated by a pellet. OPP catch up with the vehicle in Brucefield and a 19 - year -old man is arrested. The man faces five charges and is convicted. Single Shot CO2 Pellet Pistol There are a variety of BB and pellet guns for sale. Below, a 66 Powermaster (.177 caliber). Retail price: $124.99. Above, a Crossman single shot CO2 pellet pistol (.22 caliber). Retail price: $83.99. (photos/Stephanie Mandziuk) ......... t - - - ".Z/ mated est tle 's eaxt itnaut &me," ALBERT STREET DENTURE CLINIC Denture Specialist Dean R. McTaggart D.D. i r Complete and Partial Dentures Denture Repairs Relines - Additions Mention where you saw this ad! 482-1195 50 ALBERT STREET CLINTON He gets one year of pro- bation, pays a $1,000 dollar fine and retribu- tion and is prohibited from owning and using a firearm for five years. • Huron OPP constable Don Shropshall says peo- ple need to understand BB and pellet guns have a specific purpose and are not intended to be used as toys. If you are 16 or older with a driver's license, you can buy one of these guns. They are not con- sidered firearms because they don't fall under the definition of a firearm. However, they are still considered weapons and when used in this way the perpetrator can face charges under the Criminal Code. BB and pellet guns are often used for recre- ational target practice and some farmers use them to eradicate ver- min. There are those who responsibly own these guns and then there are others who do not. Shropshall says, "The velocity is still dangerous in these guns and can cause serious injury in the eye area or even death if a pellet strikes the right facial location." Education is the key for both teenaged gun own- ers and parents or guardians who buy them for their kids. Shropshall says, "When these guns are being purchased it's important to teach children proper usage. Parents must also put them away, out of the reach of young hands. They are not a play toy. As a parent you have to explain to your children what can happen." Shropshall is also con- cerned about paint ball guns being used for more than what they're intended. Again, educa- tion is the key. Jay Poulter, firearms officer with the Huron OPP says, "Even though you don't have to regis- ter these types of guns, they are still very dan- gerous and must be treated with respect. It's the responsibility of par- ents to always be aware of the circumstances in which these guns are being used. It's also a good idea to take a safe gun handling course when dealing with any type of gun." If you would like more information about the safe gun handling course contact Huron OPP. In the meantime, if you own a BB or pellet gun check to see that it is stored safely and make sure you know when and where it is being used. •Tents 'Tables •Chairs •Linens ...and more R.R.#2 Granton, Ont. NOM IVO (519) 225-2345 ME MOMENT PROPER r1rr r MidNTENANCE MATTERS Spring's arrival also marks the arrival of rain and slippery roads. You .. . face them with bald tires. 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