GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — Since June 5, Green Bay Police said the department has investigated 18 incidents involving air guns that fire small gel balls, also referred to as gel guns.
Police said the pellets can cause injuries particularly if they strike the eyes or other sensitive areas. In some instances, Green Bay Police said people have been shot at random with these pellet guns.
On Wednesday, police said an officer tried to confiscate two of those guns from a juvenile in downtown Green Bay. Police said an officer was confronted by several juveniles during the incident. Six arrests were made. Police said charges included Disorderly Conduct, Obstructing or Resisting an Officer, and Battery or Threat to an Officer.
Police also said a group of juveniles used a gel pellet gun to commit a robbery at Bay Beach Park on Wednesday. Five juveniles were charged with crimes including Robbery, Intimidation, and Disorderly Conduct in that incident.
Some gel pellet guns are designed to look like real guns, police said, and officers have encountered some that were painted in such a way that they resembled actual firearms.
“These incidents are concerning for a number of reasons, not least the risk that someone will be seriously hurt,” said Green Bay Police Chief Chris Davis. “We take this very seriously, and anyone who attacks community members with gel pellet guns can expect to be arrested and held accountable.”
Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about engaging in dangerous behavior. Green Bay Police also said they will be deploying directed patrols in public spaces for the remainder of the summer to address this issue.
