A teenager wearing a fake pistol as part of a costume at a party in Forestville was held at gunpoint by police over the weekend.
NSW Police confirmed with Manly Observer officers followed protocol in assuming the weapon was real until it could be proven otherwise, and the teen complied without incident.
However, attendees have claimed they were instructed to delete footage of the incident and some parents have contacted us to share their concern over ‘several guns and tasers’ being pointed at a 17 year old in costume.
Manly Observer checked with police on protocol. They confirmed that toy and replica firearms are treated as real until confirmed. Essentially, when in doubt, police will err on the side of caution given the potential risk to officers.
Police had been responding to a call for help after a party became unmanageable with uninvited guests in Forestville on Saturday night.
When police arrived, some guests allegedly began throwing glass bottles at law enforcement.
A police spokesperson confirmed the following information:
“Police were called to Boree Street at Forestville about 8.30pm yesterday (Saturday 24 August 2024), after reports a large group of uninvited teens had attended a house party.
“The party host requested officers to assist them in removing the group.
“When officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command attended, they were confronted by approximately 150 people – mostly teens – in the street.
“It’s alleged the group failed to cooperate with police and began throwing glass bottles towards the officers.”
“Further officers from neighbouring commands and specialist units attended to assist local police.
“During the incident, officers approached a 17-year-old after being alerted to a suspected firearm in his waist band. The teen complied with their directions and officers removed the item from his waistband, which was confirmed to be a toy pistol.”
“The crowd all dispersed after approximately an hour; no officers were injured. Inquiries are continuing.”
It is significant that police refer to it as a toy pistol on their statement. Toy weapons and guns are playthings that resemble real guns, while imitation guns are objects that substantially duplicate the appearance of a firearm. While toy guns are legal in NSW, imitation firearms are strictly regulated.
