The Clark County Sheriff's Office says a juvenile allegedly threatened people with an object that appeared to be a handgun outside a WinCo just before 1 a.m. on Aug. 8. Deputies chased the teen for about eight seconds before a deputy deployed a Taser and took the suspect into custody. The item was later identified as an Airsoft/BB pistol resembling a Glock; the youth was booked on brandishing and resisting-arrest charges. Authorities released bodycam footage and warned about the risks of carrying realistic replica firearms.
8-Second Escape: Washington Teen Tased After Brandishing Realistic-Looking Airsoft Pistol
Washington Teen's 8-Second Escape Attempt Ends With Taser and Gun Sliding Across Parking Lot
A juvenile accused of threatening shoppers with what witnesses believed was a handgun was stopped after an attempt to flee outside a WinCo in Clark County, Washington, lasted roughly eight seconds, the Clark County Sheriff's Office said.
Deputies responded just before 1 a.m. on Aug. 8 after multiple callers reported a juvenile making threats while holding an object that looked like a firearm. When officers approached, the suspect ignored commands and fled on foot.
According to the sheriff's office, the youth appeared to reach toward a bag containing the object moments before running. A deputy quickly closed the distance and deployed a Taser, ending the chase within about eight seconds.
After the suspect was detained, deputies determined the item was an Airsoft/BB pistol modeled to closely resemble a Glock-style handgun. The juvenile was arrested and booked on charges of brandishing and resisting arrest.
Image Credit: Clark County Sheriff's Office
Bodycam Footage Released
The agency later released body-worn camera footage of the encounter. The clip shows two deputies approaching the store entrance as the teen and another person begin to step outside. One person complies with officers' orders; the suspect appears poised to reach for the bag, then runs, dropping items from his pockets.
"Hey, police. Put your hands on your head,"
Within seconds a deputy has the suspect on the ground and under control. The sheriff's office used the post to caution that attempting to outrun officers is rarely successful.
Public Reaction And Safety Takeaways
Responses to the sheriff's post ranged from jokes about the brevity of the chase to praise for the deputy's quick response. Commenters also warned about the real danger posed by replica firearms that look like the real thing—pointing out the encounter could have ended differently if officers perceived an immediate deadly threat.
Takeaway: Do not threaten people with an object that appears to be a gun, and do not flee from law enforcement. Carrying realistic-looking replica firearms can lead to dangerous, potentially life-threatening misunderstandings.
Image credit: Clark County Sheriff's Office
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