City cracks down on air guns

The use of air guns, which can look as real and deadly as true firearms, will now be strictly regulated within Sonoma city limits.
The Sonoma Police Department announced the crackdown after finding that the current city ordinance regarding “small arms devices” provides for air guns as well.
“We were getting some complaints about air guns, so we asked the city attorney to look into it,” said Sergeant Darin Dougherty. “There was some concern in the community.”
As with a pistol or rifle, use of air guns on public lands or around homes and occupied buildings is illegal, as is pointing the weapon at a person, animal or motor vehicle.
Additionally, possession of an air gun by a minor is extremely limited.  Anyone under-the-age of 18 carrying an air gun on public property must be accompanied by an adult, or have written permission, and hold a valid hunting license.
Air guns, which use compressed gas to fire pellets, were developed to hunt small game but can easily cause human injury. Most accidents occur when the guns are mishandled by children; a 10-year old was killed in Britain late last month while playing “cowboys and Indians” with his younger sister.
Some air gun models resemble modern pistols, military rifles and even machine guns. Dougherty said they can easily be mistaken for the real thing.