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Burlington council votes down toy gun ordinance

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July 24th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) – The city council in Burlington has voted down an ordinance that would have required people to use carrying cases to take toy or replica guns out in public. The Hawk Eye reports the proposal drew a huge outcry from people, many outside Burlington, who wrongly believed it would ban toy guns altogether. Still, council members voted down the ordinance 4-1, saying it was too vague.

Police Chief Doug Beaird (bayrd) suggested the ordinance because he said the department is getting more calls reporting young people carrying pistols or assault rifles. He’s concerned that police officers or adults may not be able to tell whether a gun is real or fake.

He says the situation is a disaster waiting to happen.