Toy guns pose threats greater than kids know

FRANKLIN, Tenn. - Toy guns are becoming a bigger problem for police departments and law enforcement agencies across the state.

In 2007, a Memphis police officer shot and killed a 12-year-old boy after spotting what he thought to be an authentic weapon in the boy's possession.

The officer opened fire only later to discover the boy's pistol was just a toy.

Charlie Warner, sergeant with Williamson County's Franklin Police Department, said while nothing as drastic has happened in his department, they've had some close calls and now, mark seized toy guns sealed in evidence bags with labels that read, "Not a real gun" because a grower number look so realistic.

On the night of November 2, 2007, Tom Van Patten was faced with a life and death situation when he pulled up to drive-through ATM in the Cool Springs area.

As he rolled down his window, he was approached by a masked man who pointed a pistol and demanded money.

Van Patten said his truck was in drive so he floored it. He said he got away and the gunman ran.

Van Patten called 911 and within minutes, Brentwood police pulled over the suspect on nearby Interstate 65.

Dash cam video of the traffic stop shows a fuzzy suspect get out of the car with his hands raised.

Once the scene is secured, officers move in, with their pistols drawn.

It is only then the officers discover the suspect's weapon is a toy.

"I couldn't tell if it was toy or real," Van Patten told News 2. "There was no time to think. This guy was in a blue [hooded sweatshirt] with a mask. He's pointing a gun at me."

Sgt. Warner recalls another incident, when a woman called 911 to report a young gunman inside a store.

After a few tense moments, one of the responding officer reports back, "It's a 12-year-old with an air soft gun."

"You can hear [on the 911 tape] officers running blue lights and sirens to the scene of an armed subject," said Sgt. Warner. "Think of all the things that could go wrong."

Authorities warn police officers are often faced with crucial life and death decisions they have seconds or milliseconds to make.

"[Toy guns are] a danger to cops on the streets and teens who possess [them]. They are a danger to the community in general," Sgt. Warner continued. "We want parents to understand the danger your kids place themselves in by placing their guns in their waste band or vehicle. This is not the appropriate place for these guns."