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Police warn of toy gun danger.Police warn of toy gun danger CHARLESTON, W.Va.(WSAZ) - The Charleston Police Department is warning the community about “gel blaster” guns, toy guns that shoot little water beads.While they’re marked as toys, some of the toy guns look surprisingly realistic, the Charleston Police Department said.“Even though it’s just playing a game, trying to have some fun, but we don’t want them to get them in trouble or find themselves in a situation that could be dangerous for them,” said Sgt.Travis Bailes.“The one’s I’ve seen in stores, look like toy guns, but it’s not hard for someone to spray paint one black.” Bailes went on to say, “They do sell the ones that appear realistic.They look like your typical riffles that we carry in our cruisers.So, it is important for the parents to monitor what their children are doing.Especially if they know, they have these guns, these toy guns.” Officers said they’re trying to get ahead of the situation before something tragic happens.“It’s West Virginia, a lot of people carry real guns, and we really don’t want anybody to find themselves in a situation where they’re feeling threatened by what’s a toy and try to avert a tragedy from happening here,” Bailes said.CPD said this has been happening in areas on the West Side, and the school resource officer at the West Side Middle School will be reaching out to students and encouraging parents to take the time and talk with their children.Copyright 2026 WSAZ.All rights reserved.