FLORISSANT, Mo. — There is another alarming incident involving a minor with a gel-blaster toy gun, triggering an urgent police investigation.
Just last week, 5 On Your Side reported on a teen firing gel beads into a crowded Creve Coeur movie theater. Now, Florissant police are in pursuit of a minor who targeted a real estate worker with the same type of weapon. That’s when things quickly escalated.
Now there's a warning coming in from police: Speak with your kids about using toy guns in public because you never know what the person on the other end might do if they believe they're in harm's way.
Images from a real estate photographer show a cracked windshield and bullet holes left in his car. Too shaken up to speak publicly, he told 5 On Your Side he was on the job when shooters showed up, first firing at him with toy guns before switching to real guns.
Florissant police arrived to Hummingbird Drive last Wednesday to investigate.
"Our society has forced us into this higher level of consciousness when it comes to safety,” said Carlos Turner, a real estate agent with Platinum Realty.
He said many of his counterparts are now starting to arm themselves on the job.
"In our profession obviously, you go into different neighborhoods. You’re going into homes that are empty, may be empty, maybe not. You really don't know what you’re walking into,” he said.
Turner said even when showing properties to clients for the first time, he tries to meet them in a public place beforehand to feel them out.
"I try to get to the appointment early turn on the lights, open up all the blinds, see where all the exits are in the building…If I'm going alone, communicating to another peer, a spouse, letting them know this is where I’m going, this is how long I should be there and checking back in after the appointment, letting them know you’re safe," he said.
"The Florissant Police Department is urging all communities to remain vigilant as there has been a recent increase in juveniles using gel blasters in public areas," Police Chief Tim Fagan said in a statement. "We are committed to ensuring public safety and ask parents to educate their children about the potential risks and legal implications of using these devices irresponsibly."
"Parents have to be a little more involved and start drawing some boundaries,” Turner agreed.
Fortunately, one was physically hurt.
If you know anything that can help Florissant police with their investigation, call the police department at 314-831-7000.