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State Police Charge 2 For Pointing Realistic Toy Gun At Motorist In Westminster

WESTMINSTER, Md. (WJZ)-- Maryland State Police have charged a 23-year-old man and a 17-year-old for pointing a realistic toy gun at a motorist on Route 97 in Westminster.

Police say that after 2 p.m. Wednesday, a woman called police to report that she was driving behind an older model blue Buick near Westminster High School when the 17-year-old, who was the passenger in the Buick, rolled down his window, leaned out of the vehicle and pointed a large rifle at her. The caller told state police dispatchers that she backed away from the Buick but saw the passenger point the rifle at her again.

Police say the caller was able to keep her distance from the Buick and direct state troopers to her location.

State troopers stopped the suspect vehicle and took the two occupants into custody. They found an Airsoft gun in the vehicle. State police say that most toy firearms are painted orange near the end of the gun barrel to indicate they are toys. The orange band in the suspects' possession had been painted black in an attempt to make it look like a real firearm.

Troopers charged a 23-year-old Sykesville man, who was driving the Buick, with second-degree assault and reckless endangerment. The 17-year-old is being charged on the same offenses as a juvenile. He is awaiting an initial court appearance while the juvenile will be placed with the Department of Juvenile Services.

Anyone who witnessed this incident involving the blue Buick or has witnessed another incident involving the same vehicle is being asked to call (410)386-3000.

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