Airsoft gun shootings in central Alberta part of teen internet challenge, say RCMP

An undated file photo of an Airsoft gun.

Fort Saskatchewan RCMP are reminding teenagers that Airsoft guns are illegal and do real harm as they investigate an uptick in calls reporting imitation firearms in the last week.

Mounties say they have responded to six service calls about teens with imitation firearms in the last seven days. Police have since determined these firearms are Airsoft guns, which are lower power guns designed to shoot plastic pellets and look like real firearms.

Teens are shooting each other as part of a social media challenge that has circulated around Canada for around four years, RCMP said.

Airsoft guns are not regulated like legal firearms and firing them in public is illegal and can do “life-altering” harm, a news release from Wednesday said.

The investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information about the incidents or those responsible can contact Fort Saskatchewan RCMP at 780-997-7900 or submit a tip to Crime Stoppers.