QLD:Fake gun triggers armed response.

AAP General News (Australia)
08-13-2010
QLD:Fake gun triggers armed response.

(EDS: Changes age of one man on police advice)



By Tony Bartlett

GOLD COAST, Aug 13 AAP - Two men who were playing cops and robbers in their front yard
on Friday have been charged after armed police wearing bullet-proof jackets swarmed on
their Gold Coast home.

A driver called police after seeing a man wearing a balaclava and carrying what appeared
to be a shotgun outside a home in suburban Ashmore.

Police wearing kevlar vests converged on the busy street and a short time later arrested
two New Zealand men, aged 18 and 20, and seized a number of items including a toy shotgun
and a balaclava.

A neighbour who was working in his garden at the time told reporters he saw the two
playing in their front yard and thought their antics were "a bit different".

Another neighbour, Willie Isaac said he and his wife Apii weren't sure what was happening.

"I saw this young fella jump out of this car with a balaclava and a gun, and I didn't
know if it was a toy gun or a real gun," he said.

"Even though it's a practical joke, it's a little bit scary, too," Mrs Isaac said.

Acting Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen said the young men had no idea of the alarm they
were causing.

"They were in possession of a plastic toy shotgun and they were playing a game between
themselves, not aware of what the community concern may be," he said.

Both have been charged with causing a public nuisance.

The 18-year-old has also been charged with possessing a dangerous drug and utensils.

They will appear in Southport Magistrates Court on August 30.

AAP bart/pjo/jl

KEYWORD: TOY UPDATE

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