Boy arrested for allegedly waving gun at officer (Stupidity Alert)

Appleton (WI) Post-Crescent ^ | 12-24-03

[petuniasevan]

Boy arrested for allegedly waving gun at officer

The Post-Crescent

GRAND CHUTE — Two 17-year-old Appleton area youths learned Tuesday not to mess with the law, especially when you don’t realize that you’re doing it.

One of the two was booked into the Outagamie County Jail for disorderly conduct after he allegedly waived a fake semiautomatic pistol out of a vehicle window shortly before 3 p.m. Tuesday. Police said the driver ahead of him was an off-duty Winnebago County sheriff’s deputy.

Grand Chute police Sgt. Todd Zolkowski said he responded to reports of a person pointing a gun at another person at Lynndale Drive and Spencer Street.

Zolkowski said the teens were heading south on Lynndale, with the driver waving the gun around and pointing it at the deputy ahead of them. The deputy stopped, got out of his vehicle, drew his weapon and ordered the two to come out with their hands up.

Zolkowski, who responded along with an Appleton police officer in the area, said they found two fake semiautomatic handguns in the teens’ vehicle.

They took the driver into custody. He posted bond and was released. The passenger was questioned and released.

Nearby, Badger School was locked down for 10 to 15 minutes until the incident was over.

[petuniasevan]

Bad timing, boys. And what WERE you thinking, waving a fake gun around in town? Lucky for you punks that cop didn't perforate you with lead from his REAL weapon.

They took the driver into custody. He posted bond and was released.

If it were my kid he'd be better off in that jail cell than coming home to my warm reception.

[petuniasevan]

Just Damn ping...

[Dog Gone]

Try that stunt in Houston, and you'll be dead.

Not from the cops, but from the motorists who are carrying real guns.

[Bob Mc]

They weren't thinking. They have never been exposed to guns or taught gun safety and responsibility. Their mothers wouldn't even let them have toy guns as kids. Now these teenagers fantasize about guns. Can't wait to have one of their own. Buy replicas and such and think they are cool. Show off for with their friends. Absolutely no respect or understanding of the meaning and purpose of guns. A recipe for disaster.

[Ronin]

Just damn...

That is sooooo true.....

These kids should get down on their knees and thank their lucky angels that they got off so lucky.

I can imagine any number of other scenarios for this... but the results are all uniformly bad.

[Lady Johanna]

I agree 100% - they have no respect or understanding of the meaning and purpose of guns. Drivers Ed. is taught and required in schools - but driving is a PRIVILEGE granted and licensed by the State - and the RIGHT to keep and bear arms in guaranteed (not granted) by the Constitution. I'd like to see gun safety as a REQUIREMENT taught in schools.

(Fat chance)

[Shooter 2.5]

I hope that wouldn't be the case. I would hope the people in Houston would just let the police handle it if someone had a cell phone.

Remember, a case like that becomes a He said/he said incident. There wouldn't be any proof that you weren't brandishing and started the incident.

Since Wisconsin is very close to getting a CCW law, look for the anti's to use something like this for an argument they shouldn't have the law.

[CWOJackson]

The NRA used to be very prominent in that area.

[Shooter 2.5]

The State Senate is considering the week of January 12th for extraordinary session to vote on bills relating to job creation, and to hold an override session on concealed carry.

Good luck and please keep me posted on any news of a CCW. I think I can get a live feed from the Senate floor onto FR. It will be here:
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/insession/senate/index.htm

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Police would've been well within their rights to have drilled the kids. They must have a guardian angel looking after them...

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

They have never been exposed to guns or taught gun safety and responsibility.

That...and a bad case of testosterone poisoning that usually afflicts boys of 17.

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

Bump in your neck of the woods.

BigMack

[joesnuffy]

He waved the toy around to scare people and get attention....
He got the attention he wanted...he just isnt gonna like the price he is gonna have to pay for it...
He learned a lesson....MAYBE

[Cobra64]

The NRA used to be very prominent in that area.

I don't even know what state this town is in.

[CWOJackson]

LOL! Sorry about that. I meant the area of gun safety training at the elementary school age.