SoCal Man With Fake Gun Fatally Shot by Officers

Santa Ana police responded to reports of a man with a shotgun, which turned out to be an airsoft rifle.
SoCal Man With Fake Gun Fatally Shot by Officers
Airsoft plastic BB guns are on display in a shop selling the hobbyist replica firearms in London. Scott Barbour/Getty Images
Jill McLaughlin
Updated:
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Santa Ana police responding to a report of someone walking around with a shotgun killed the man before discovering the firearm was fake, the department announced Dec. 1.

The man, described by police as a Hispanic male in his 30s, was loading what appeared to be a shotgun, but police later found it was an airsoft gun, which shoots plastic pellets and is similar to a paintball gun.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.