Government : Airguns become topic of discussion at first reading of new ordinance

An ordinance to amend the code of ordinances for the city of Vinton, would add provisions that pertain to the public possession of airguns.

Vinton Police Chief Ted Paxton said of the ordinance, "This is a new ordinance which covers "look-alike" airsoft/bb guns. These guns have been used by certain members of our community to be passed off as if they are carrying/possessing a real firearm, which in turn is alarming to other community members that these "look-alike" guns have been pointed at them or individuals have been seen carrying the "look-alike guns" for their protection/intimidation. This new ordinance is ONLY for the "look-alike" guns NOT actual real firearms."

The new proposed ordinance puts restrictions on where airguns can be used in the city limits and who can buy them. The ordinance reads as follows.

41.15 Public Possession Airguns

1. It shall be unlawful for anyone under the age of eighteen (18) to carry or otherwise have in his or her possession in a public place, or in the passenger compartment of any vehicle, in a public place or on a public street, an air or gas operated BB or pellet gun or pistol, or paint ball gun or a replica firearm. This prohibition shall not apply when the air or gas operated BB or pellet gun or pistol or paint ball gun or replica of a firearm is carried or transported inside a trunk, cargo area or luggage compartment of a vehicle where the same will not be readily accessible to any person riding in the vehicle.

2. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell an air or gas operated BB or pellet gun or pistol or paint ball gun or replica of a firearm to a person under eighteen (18) years of age unless he or she is accompanied by a parent, guardian or other person having the care and custody of said under aged person.

3. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with this ordinance are hereby repealed.

4. If any section or part of this ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional.

5. This ordinance shall be in effect from and after its final passage, approved and publication as provided by law.

The second reading of this ordinance will be at the October 24th council meeting and must pass through a third reading before it becomes official.