I have heard some really ridiculous things, but this beats them all --so far! Once again, I will say this.. AirSoft guns are not toys! They are to be treated just as real guns are treated--with respect! the follow article was found on a local new site. It shows how stupid some can be with this weapon of choice and the consequences of such!
Air guns at school carry hefty penalties
Published: December 22, 2009
BROOKSVILLE - Bring an air gun to school or on a bus and students can expect up to 10 days of out-of-school suspension.
In extreme situations or for repeat offenders, administrators could recommend expulsion or placement in the alternative school.
In extreme situations or for repeat offenders, administrators could recommend expulsion or placement in the alternative school.
Following an incident late last week when a 10-year-old boy brought an air gun on a school bus and shot another student in the arm, Explorer Principal Ray Pinder said he's reviewed the situation and sat down with the boy's parents.
Although he wouldn't disclose the boy's punishment, he said in those types of situations he follows the school's policy regarding students who bring a BB or pellet gun to school — 10 days out-of-school suspension.
"We refer the matter to law enforcement also," Pinder said.
According to the school's policy, a second offense would result in expulsion or alternative school placement.
Bringing an air gun also falls under the same category as bringing a "pocket knife, blunt knife, laser pointer, smoke bomb, bullet, shot gun shell or firecracker, or any other object that could be used to harm another person."
Another section of the school policy points to bringing toy guns to school, which would result in a parent conference and up to 10 days suspension — similar to the pellet gun category Pinder said.
For law enforcement, Sgt. Donna Black with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, said the boy was charged with misdemeanor disruption of a school function, punishable typically by community service.
However, she said the case is still under investigation to determine whether another student was shot with the pellet gun and whether it was intentional or not, which could lead to an additional charge of battery.
"The pellet gun does not fit the Florida statute definition of a weapon," Black said. "But there still is the possibility of battery, which is why we're waiting for the bus video to see what went on."
Last week several parents were upset after their childs' bus arrived 50 minutes after its due time. Samantha Baumstark, of Spring Hill, and her boyfriend Danny Cimino said when their son Allan got off the bus, he told them that a 10-year-old boy was escorted off the bus by his parents after taking out an air gun and shooting a girl in the arm.
Allan had alerted the bus driver, who alerted transportation officials and pulled over while waiting for sheriff's deputies to arrive.
Airsoft guns eject plastic pellets, which normally fire projectiles 300 feet per second. Some can fire up to 600 feet per second. They are considered safer than BB guns. They are modeled to look like actual guns and can be filled with hard, soft or bio-degradable pellets.
Meanwhile, Cimino said while Allan was recognized by school officials for informing the bus driver, he and Baumstark won't allow their children to ride the bus — instead opting to take them to and from school.
As for the punishing of the student, Cimino said the school district should have issued a harsher penalty.
"He should do more than just 10 days of O.S.S," Cimino said. "I think he should be expelled or something for that."
Reporter Michael Bates contributed to the report.
Reporter Jeff Schmucker can be reached at 352-544-5271 or jschmucker@hernandotoday.com
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