Boy Shot Airsoft Gun at 12-Year-Olds, Police Say

A 17-year-old boy was arrested after allegedly shooting an airsoft gun at two 12-year-old Hopatcong boys at the Hopatcong Plaza on the evening of Aug. 1.

Police said the pair of boys went home and told their mother they had been shot with a pellet gun by the 17-year-old while he was in a car at the plaza. The mother went to the plaza with her boys, who identified the car, police said.

The mother then confronted the 17-year-old and found out his name, according to police. The vehicle proceeded to leave the plaza, according to police.

Police said when they went to the 17-year-old's home, he stated it was not a pellet gun, but an airsoft gun. He was subsequently arrested and taken to headquarters and charged on a juvenile complaint and later released to a family member, according to police.

Police said the airsoft gun, which belonged to a friend of the accused, was taken for evidence. The boy was charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, assault, and disorderly conduct.