Costa Mesa Moves to Deter Criminal Use of Toy Guns

Under a law tentatively approved this week by the Costa Mesa City Council, persons who brandish toy guns during commission of a crime can be prosecuted for carrying the imitation weapons, a council member said Wednesday.

Councilwoman Mary Hornbuckle said the law was passed in response to recent incidents in Costa Mesa and nearby areas in which police officers have mistakenly drawn weapons on people brandishing toy guns.

In March, a San Bernardino sheriff’s deputy fatally shot a 19-year-old man who pointed a toy gun at him. In Costa Mesa in January, police officers drew weapons on two teen-age boys carrying toy laser pistols.

The City of Anaheim passed a similar ordinance six months ago.

Hornbuckle said that because many toy guns are “frighteningly realistic,” cities need ordinances to regulate their use during threatening situations.

“I think passing of these laws by cities could have an accumulating effect that might discourage some manufacturers from making these toys,” she said. “It might cause them to take a second look.”

Hornbuckle said the council is expected to give final approval to the measure at its next meeting on June 1. The law would take effect 30 days later.