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SBSO URGES PARENTS TO MONITOR SUMMERTIME JUVENILE ACTIVITY
As the school year comes to an end and summer break begins, Sheriff James Pohlmann is urging parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children’s daily activities to help prevent unsafe behavior and juvenile-related incidents that often increase during the summer months.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to speak with their children about the dangers associated with Orbeez-style guns and similar gel bead blasters, as well as social media trends, pranks and challenges involving reckless behavior.
Sheriff Pohlmann said deputies with the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office have responded to several recent calls for service involving Orbeez-style guns involving juveniles using the devices in a reckless or disruptive manner.
“These devices may appear harmless, but they can cause serious injuries and create dangerous situations,” the Sheriff said.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages parents to closely monitor how these devices are being used and to remind children that reckless behavior involving imitation firearms can quickly escalate into dangerous situations.
Parents also should stress that actions involving property damage, targeting unsuspecting individuals or creating fear within neighborhoods can result in criminal charges and serious consequences.
While often marketed as toys, Orbeez guns can resemble real firearms and have been linked to dangerous incidents involving juveniles, moving vehicles and property damage. The devices also can create potentially dangerous situations because they may be difficult to distinguish from actual firearms in certain circumstances.
Another trend of concern involves recent incidents in which juveniles wearing ski masks have violently kicked residents’ doors during the early morning hours as part of so-called “ding dong ditch” style pranks.
Sheriff Pohlmann said these incidents can frighten residents, create unnecessary panic and place both the individuals involved and responding deputies in potentially dangerous situations.
“Together, through community involvement and parental guidance, we can help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for everyone,” the Sheriff said.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious or dangerous activity involving Orbeez guns or these types of pranks by calling the Sheriff’s Office by calling (504) 271-2501 or 9-1-1.
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