City Council members approved a plan Wednesday night that will make it illegal to sell or own realistic-looking fake guns in Atlantic City.
In a 9-0 vote, council members approved an ordinance that will ban the sale, possession or use of any imitation firearm that isn’t bright, transparent or in fluorescent colors, according to the Atlantic City Press. The ordinance will also ban the sale of toy pistols with metal caps to minors.
Authorities and officials in Atlantic City pushed for the ordinance, claiming that fake guns were often used to commit real crimes.
“Our police officers have been finding these guns being used in robberies and attempted robberies,” said George Tibbitt (D), an Atlantic City councilman. “It’s gotten way out of hand.”
While the fake guns are supposed to have bright red tips to indicate they’re not real weapons, police say a toy they recently seized was difficult to distinguish from a real gun once the tip was taken off.
“Our police department has gone into the stores and found the red tips taken off,” Tibbitt said. “Some of the salesmen will actually even show you how to take that red tip off.”
Under the ordinance, violators will face a maximum fine of $50 and up to 30 days in prison. The ordinance is now awaiting the mayor’s signature.
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NBC10's Ted Greenberg contributed to this story.
