ST. LOUIS – Police are investigating on both sides of the river after two incidents involving teens threatening individuals with fake guns.
The most recent incident was at the Holiday Inn Express in Woodson Terrace around 5 a.m. Wednesday. According to officials, the suspects were caught in the act attempting to break into cars, pulling out air soft guns, and shooting at the hotel clerk.
Police are still searching for those involved in the incident. They are warning teens that this type of behavior can lead to serious consequences.
“The clerk happened to see it happening, confronted them, and prior to them leaving, the subjects had pointed what was called an Orbeez gun that shoots a little water base pellet…luckily no one was injured,” Woodson Terrace Police Chief Dominic Orlando said. “They may think it’s funny to pull up a fake gun, but that resident or citizen with a real gun may have to take a life as well, just like we would if we have to to defend them.”
Authorities are recommending parents talk with their kids about this type of behavior, as another report of the same type of incident occurred at the ice cream store, Dairy Freeze, in Collinsville, Ill. Two male suspects drove by, hitting a customer in the back of the head with an air soft gun.
“You never want to pull out a fake gun because you don’t know who might have a real gun to fire back,” Lt. Mark Kuechle said.
The ice cream shop hopes that the suspects are held accountable for their actions.
“I would just love to catch them, and not have this kind of activity here in Collinsville,” co-owner Theresa Tarrant said.
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