When I was a Kid I had a Toy M1 Carbine that looked very real from ten feet away. I also had a Toy German Luger made of metal, not plastic that was very real looking.
The question is, what has changed since then that has the Police so nervous and reactionary to things like this?
The simple answer (IMHO of course), is that Society has devolved and there is no respect for Authority, especially from young people.
Remember the old saying, respect your Elders? That has gone the way of the DoDo Bird and sane Democrats.
I remember full well my Father telling me what to say and do when I received my Driver’s License if I was ever pulled over by the Police. Hands on the Wheel, Yes Sir, No Sir and always being respectful.
Works for me every time. But then I live in an area where the general public supports LEOs, and vice-versa.