Denver Public Schools on Monday reminded parents and families of its ban on weapons after a string of incidents involving BB guns and other replica firearms resulted in lockdowns or lockouts.
Mike Eaton, DPS chief of safety and security, said fake guns in school are nothing new. But he said it is increasingly easy to manipulate the weapons — including airsoft guns, red-tipped air guns that fire projectiles of different materials — to make them look real.
Eaton said he did not have exact figures, but at least 10 incidents have been reported at elementary and high schools in recent weeks. Denver police investigated and arrested students, who also could face consequences under the district’s discipline policy.
Police grew concerned and supported the district’s decision to e-mail families urging them to discuss the issue, Eaton said.
He said police or armed campus guards could mistake a BB gun or replica weapon for a real one when responding to a report of a threat.
