Waltham Youth Poses With Gun On Social Media: Police Investigate

WALTHAM, MA — Police said after getting a report that someone under the age of 18 had posted a photo of himself with a gun on social media last week, police went to the boy's house to investigate. It turned out the gun was actually a BB gun. No one has been charged at this time, say police, but that could change as the police review the case with the District Attorney's office.

"From our investigation there was absolutely no threat to anyone or any school," said Det. Sgt Tim King of the Waltham Police Department.

After getting the report, police said they talked to the boy and his parents at his home, and the social media post came down.

Under federal law you must be 21 years old to purchase a gun and get a gun license. Possessing a real gun without a license is a felony.

In Massachusetts, it's illegal for children under 18 to have a BB gun or air rifle in a public space unless they have an adult with them, have a sporting license or a permit from the police chief in the municipality.

Violating that is misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of up to $100, confiscation of the BB gun or air rifle, and possible destruction of the firearm by the State police.

In this case, the police are working with the District Attorney's office to determine next steps, according to King.

In 2017, the most recent data available indicated the city gave out 373 gun permits to adults, and 77 people violated a weapons law. King said Waltham Police don't see young people with guns constantly, but they do have to address it from time to time, especially with social media.

Often times children will remove the red protective tip that distinguishes a BB gun from a real gun, because they think it's cool, or they're just having fun. Even with the red tip still on, taking a toy gun or air rifle out of the home doesn't make for a safe situation for anyone, police said.

"It's ... extremely dangerous to carry something that looks like a gun - with either bad people or even with the police because it can be misconstrued," said King. "The message is: it's not worth the consequence that could result."

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).