Father Arrested For Shooting Toy Gun With His Kids In NYC Park

[green73]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X3FZ6cdznE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X3FZ6cdznE


NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — A Queens man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly firing a lifelike weapon and handing it over to his toddler-age son.

The man’s family, however, called it all an overreaction to toy guns.

As CBS 2’s Dave Carlin reported, Jack Pawlowski was led out of his Queens home in handcuffs Wednesday, with his stunned wife and three young kids looking on. He said nothing as detectives put him into a squad car.

But earlier, he allowed CBS 2 up to the family’s apartment to get a video of what he calls the harmless “kids’ toys” that started it all.

Pawlowski told CBS 2 he took a toy gun, and two of his kids, around the corner to Ditmars Park. It was around noon and packed with kids and their parents.

It appears some in the park thought the guns were real at first.

“At first I thought I was hallucinating,” said Maria Smilios of Astoria. “He pulled out this gun.”

Smilios saw the toy up close, and at first thought it was the real thing. She gave CBS 2 a cellphone photo she said shows Pawlowski firing pellets at a tree.

“The next thing, he took his son, who is 3, and showed him how to use it, and then the family took turns shooting the gun. He gave it to his daughter, who took off on the bicycle and started racing around the park with the gun pointing this way and just started pointing it at the kids,” Smilios said.

Another mom who was on a playground at the park at the time said she walked up to Pawlowski, and told him to take the toy gun and his kids and leave.

“I don’t tend to take things lying down, so I went past the parents, and so I walked straight over and I confronted him,” said Leni Calas. “I mean, he’s brandishing a firearm and I don’t care if that firearm is plastic. That’s unacceptable.”

Calas called police, who arrived after Pawlowski left. She also called City Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-22nd) and posted the photo on her “queensmamas” website.

That led to a tip that led investigators straight to Pawlowski’s door.

“This is really a way to educate people,” Vallone said. “You cannot run around with a realistic looking gun. It’s against the law, and you could get arrested and actually go to jail.”

“I hope in the end, he understands at least somewhat why people became angry that he came here with this gun,” Calas said.

Pawlowski’s wife did not share that perspective.

“I feel a little bit like a victim because someone overreacted,” she said.

She did not want her face on camera, but told CBS 2 her husband is sorry and it will never happen again.

He remained in custody Wednesday evening, on charges of reckless endangerment, endangering the welfare of a minor, resisting arrest, and possession of an illegal BB gun.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/05/08/exclusive-man-arrested-for-allegedly-shooting-realistic-toy-gun-with-kids-in-queens-park/

[asurfaholic]

A pellet gun or bb gun in a park with other people in range is not very safe behavior.

Should he have been arrested, I don't think so... What a nanny state..

[paulbot24]

“I don’t tend to take things lying down, so I went past the parents, and so I walked straight over and I confronted him,” said Leni Calas. “I mean, he’s brandishing a firearm and I don’t care if that firearm is plastic. That’s unacceptable.”


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyrJsT_Shyg

[asurfaholic]

“I don’t tend to take things lying down, so I went past the parents, and so I walked straight over and I confronted him,” said Leni Calas. “I mean, he’s brandishing a firearm and I don’t care if that firearm is plastic. That’s unacceptable.”


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyrJsT_Shyg

What is the proper response if someone brings a BB gun near you and your family, and the kids are running around pointing it at other kids?

You just sit there?

[paulbot24]

What is the proper response if someone brings a BB gun near you and your family, and the kids are running around pointing it at other kids?

You just sit there?

If they are my kids they are not running around doing anything without my knowing about it. As far as somebody "brandishing" a BB gun at me or them? I trust my own ability to discern what a threatening situation is and to act accordingly. I don't need a police officer to question or validate it. If they are pointing it at me or my family threateningly, I have a problem with it. If they simply bring a plastic gun around me, I would feel about as threatened as if they brought plastic sporks around me while enjoying a barbecue. If somebody's first response is to feel so "threatened" they call the police, my response to them is that they don't understand what a real threat is.

[jmdrake]

ban public parks

[green73]

A pellet gun or bb gun in a park with other people in range is not very safe behavior.

Should he have been arrested, I don't think so... What a nanny state..

It wasn't a bb gun or a pellet gun. It was one of those spring powered plastic pea shooters.

[Expatriate]

Resisting arrest? Is that just a standard charge that everyone gets now?

[paulbot24]

Did it have a high compression spring of mass destruction?

[FindLiberty]

Ban orange electrical tape.

[PaulConventionWV]

That woman is such a brainwashed tool.

[paulbot24]

Hurry up and get your pre-ban plastic toy guns.

[ClydeCoulter]

Hurry up and get your pre-ban plastic toy guns.

My son still has his collection. Some are even the old "pot metal" type western revolvers and actually shoot the old cap rolls (that would scare the shit out of those people, pop, pop) :)

[Thor]

Up next, water pistols!

http://www.nashvillescene.com/binary/a585/waterpistol.jpg

"I don't care that it was just shooting water, it is unacceptable."

"I don't care he was just having fun with his kids. I did not like it."

[paulbot24]

Up next, water pistols!

http://www.nashvillescene.com/binary/a585/waterpistol.jpg

"I don't care that it was just shooting water, it is unacceptable."

"I don't care he was just having fun with his kids. I did not like it."

"Your drawings are so atrocious, I see guns in them."

[jbauer]

If they are my kids they are not running around doing anything without my knowing about it. As far as somebody "brandishing" a BB gun at me or them? I trust my own ability to discern what a threatening situation is and to act accordingly. I don't need a police officer to question or validate it. If they are pointing it at me or my family threateningly, I have a problem with it. If they simply bring a plastic gun around me, I would feel about as threatened as if they brought plastic sporks around me while enjoying a barbecue. If somebody's first response is to feel so "threatened" they call the police, my response to them is that they don't understand what a real threat is.

If it was a water gun to me its no big deal. If you're shooting a BB Gun, most cities have ordnances against it, so I would assume it falls under the same rules as firing any other type of gun. Do it at the firing range.

I actually know a guy who got wrote up for shooting a BB Gun at rabbits in his garden.

[paulbot24]

If it was a water gun to me its no big deal. If you're shooting a BB Gun, most cities have ordnances against it, so I would assume it falls under the same rules as firing any other type of gun. Do it at the firing range.

I actually know a guy who got wrote up for shooting a BB Gun at rabbits in his garden.

Were the rabbits wearing funny little hats?

[Thor]

If it was a water gun to me its no big deal. If you're shooting a BB Gun, most cities have ordnances against it, so I would assume it falls under the same rules as firing any other type of gun. Do it at the firing range.

I actually know a guy who got wrote up for shooting a BB Gun at rabbits in his garden.

It wasn't a BB gun. It was a PLASTIC pea shooter. Probably foam "pellets."

[asurfaholic]

It wasn't a bb gun or a pellet gun. It was one of those spring powered plastic pea shooters.

Well that makes a big difference. Article seemed to suggest that it was a BB gun or pellet gun.

I would say a parent has the right to confront another parent if they feel that there is a dangerous situation. Going to the police after the fact, and having him be subsequently arrested is beyond absurd.

[newbitech]

“I don’t tend to take things lying down, so I went past the parents, and so I walked straight over and I confronted him,” said Leni Calas. “I mean, he’s brandishing a firearm and I don’t care if that firearm is plastic. That’s unacceptable.”

Oh tough guy doesn't take shit from people with plastic guns eh?

Let's All Calm Down About 3D Plastic Guns

Should we light our hair on fire about plastic guns made with 3D printers?
Too late for Senator Charles Schumer. The combustible New York Democrat is encouraging hysteria over the prospect of criminals using 3D printers to manufacture firearms, possibly to assassinate the president. “We’re facing a situation where anyone—a felon, a terrorist—can open a gun factory in their garage ,and the weapons they make will be undetectable,” Schumer said (http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/churning_senator_charles_schumer_aFG4KkMe1AQkorhTV Kt3cJ). “It’s stomach-churning.”

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-05-06/lets-all-calm-down-about-3-d-plastic-guns

[Anti Federalist]

Well that makes a big difference. Article seemed to suggest that it was a BB gun or pellet gun.

I would say a parent has the right to confront another parent if they feel that there is a dangerous situation. Going to the police after the fact, and having him be subsequently arrested is beyond absurd.

See Something, Say Something, Comrade Citizen.

[kcchiefs6465]

It wasn't a BB gun. It was a PLASTIC pea shooter. Probably foam "pellets."
It was probably an airsoft gun. They make some pretty realistic ones now days. A friend of mine had a S&W40. All it fired was airsoft 'bbs.' (plastic 6mm balls)

They sting a little bit if you are shot point blank. Nowhere close to as bad as a paintball gun or bb gun. They're not going to break the skin or anything. As a kid we used to run around and shoot each other with them. They're actually a lot of fun.

[Weston White]

Common, use some common sense you New Yorkers, for a little child would not be able to sustain the weight of an actual .45 Desert Eagle, and the airy-clicking-rattley noises it makes when fired or moved around should have been a dead-giveaway, when observing the weapon being fired, even from the distance.

It is exactly because of stuff such as this that I dislike New York so much, its law enforcement has a long history of throwing every single charge against the jailer's door that it can grab ahold, only to then stand back to see what sticks.

I hope those two very obtuse females are happy with themselves, if the prosecutor does not cease the ridiculousness of this all, it could very likely result in the destruction of that family.

And as to the assertion being made that brandishing even a toy gun is a crime, while that is very true, it is a required element that in having done so, it was intended to commence or perpetuate an act of criminality, not to play with your children or use a tree for target practice for your Airsoft gun. Please, get serious and grow up.

Seriously, what great social achievement will the omni-progressive New York accomplish next? Making it a felonious hate crime for your children to play cowboys and Indians along with a child endangerment multiplier?

An Airsoft model: http://www.airsplat.com/Items/AP-PS-DE-90221S.htm

[enjerth]

A lack of discretion for just a moment can ruin your life. Even if you think there is no harm in it.

He broke protocol.

'merika, land of the freedom fries.

[tod evans]

I'm still of the opinion NY is just one city that needs to be walled off and flooded...

What a horrific sample of humanity on that video..

[WM_in_MO]

I'm still of the opinion NY is just one city that needs to be walled off and flooded...

What a horrific sample of humanity on that video..
Ban cities.

[tod evans]

Ban cities.

Where would "they" all go? :eek:

[pcosmar]

What is the proper response if someone brings a BB gun near you and your family, and the kids are running around pointing it at other kids?

You just sit there?

What BB gun.. I watched the video.. That was not a BB gun.. (regardless of the ridiculous charge)

A plastic pellet gun,, Fucking harmless.

[pcosmar]

If it was a water gun to me its no big deal. If you're shooting a BB Gun, most cities have ordnances against it, so I would assume it falls under the same rules as firing any other type of gun. Do it at the firing range.

I actually know a guy who got wrote up for shooting a BB Gun at rabbits in his garden.
And I actually know people that were arrested for water guns,, Supersoakers.

A neighbor called the cops and said there was a gun fight. SWAT showed up.

Mom Uncle and kids were all arrested.

Bright orange and green water guns.. Yes,,it is that fucking stupid. :(

[Spikender]

Where would "they" all go? :eek:

You'd better make some room, because you'd be getting new neighbors.

[tod evans]

You'd better make some room, because you'd be getting new neighbors.

Notice in my original proposal there was no mention of evacuating the city before flooding it? ;)

[pcosmar]

And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.

[CaptUSA]

Wow. What have we come to?

Next thing you know there will be mad-men brandishing screwdrivers! Deranged delivery drivers with boxcutters! Maniacs with water balloons! When will it stop, people?!

[Seraphim]

He should go back to the park with the same toy as soon as he is released.

[Thor]

He should go back to the park with the same toy as soon as he is released.

Or as a protest, 100's of people should show up with plastic airguns, water guns, and the like....

[WM_in_MO]

Where would "they" all go? :eek:
Away.

[JK/SEA]

i called the cops on a guy pointing directions for someone. His hand looked like a gun. I just want everyone to be safe, and besides, i don't like people making hand gestures that resemble a gun. This is un-acceptable.

[Warrior_of_Freedom]

Wow that lady was a bitch. One day someone is going to punch her in the face or worse. "I knew he was playing with a toy gun BUT FUCK THAT I'M GOING TO CAUSE TROUBLE."

[tod evans]

http://osckg.wikispaces.com/file/view/6125-Wizard-Man-In-A-Blue-Gown-Pointing-His-Magic-Wand-Clipart.jpg/86017959/6125-Wizard-Man-In-A-Blue-Gown-Pointing-His-Magic-Wand-Clipart.jpg

Well damn it!

That didn't work it seems as though they're still there...

[Eagles' Wings]

If he has a good lawyer, he should be okay. Heard of something similar but much worse, and charges were dropped. Fines levied. Maybe not in New York, though.

Stupid thing for him to do. The gun looked real enough to cause alarm.

[pcosmar]

If he has a good lawyer, he should be okay. Heard of something similar but much worse, and charges were dropped. Fines levied. Maybe not in New York, though.

Stupid thing for him to do. The gun looked real enough to cause alarm.

Shit,,
This looks real enough,,
http://www.bizpacreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/pop-tart-gun-Clash-Daily.jpg

http://www.ktnv.com/news/watercooler/194673111.html

[HOLLYWOOD]

I'm still of the opinion NY is just one city that needs to be walled off and flooded...

What a horrific sample of humanity on that video.. lol... It is because of stuff like this that makes me think there is a possibility that the future will be like this, right Snake Plissken?

http://www.sffaudio.com/images10/BrokenSeaAudioProductionsEscapeFromNewYork565.jpg (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=VmRpHEW-CFFzlM&tbnid=6riiREyQaSNsTM:&ved=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wickedfire.com%2Fshooting-shit%2F172438-rand-paul-supports-domestic-drone-strikes.html&ei=cDCMUZOtH4O2igKkyYGQAQ&bvm=bv.46340616,d.cGE&psig=AFQjCNEdgn_3ybfZVx4ocpzauLwZEr7Seg&ust=1368228337136445)

[tod evans]

lol... It is because of stuff like this that makes me think there is a possibility that the future will be like this, right Snake Plissken?


I've never seen it.....

Netflix by chance?

[aGameOfThrones]

lol... It is because of stuff like this that makes me think there is a possibility that the future will be like this, right Snake Plissken?

http://www.sffaudio.com/images10/BrokenSeaAudioProductionsEscapeFromNewYork565.jpg (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=VmRpHEW-CFFzlM&tbnid=6riiREyQaSNsTM:&ved=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wickedfire.com%2Fshooting-shit%2F172438-rand-paul-supports-domestic-drone-strikes.html&ei=cDCMUZOtH4O2igKkyYGQAQ&bvm=bv.46340616,d.cGE&psig=AFQjCNEdgn_3ybfZVx4ocpzauLwZEr7Seg&ust=1368228337136445)

Don't forget...

http://www.imfdb.org/images/c/c8/EscapeLA.jpg

[pcosmar]

I've never seen it.....

Netflix by chance?

Watch it,, Bad acting,, good action,, lots of humor,, subtle message.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckvDo2JHB7o