Glendale Police Department – BB Guns

Current City Code, Section 26-58, prohibits discharging these guns in the city limits. This code reads “prohibits the discharging of any air gun, BB gun, pellet gun, dart gun, gas operated gun, spring gun or similar gun or instrument within city limits.” This is a class 1 misdemeanor, maximum fine of $2,500 and upon conviction the weapon or similar instrument shall be forfeited to the city. Striking a citizen would be considered an assault under the Arizona Revised Statute 13-1203.

Exemptions:

• Law enforcement officer or duly authorized public official in performance of their duties
• Licensed shooting galleries
• Person holding a valid license, permit, or authorization, issued by the Chief of Police for a valid/proper purpose (examples; gun safety class, exterminator, public demonstration
• Used for protection of property or person in a manner authorized by State/Federal law

Should a citizen encounter a violation, they should contact the police department and have an officer respond. An officer should make contact with the violator. Assuming the officer finds the discharge unlawful, the officer should seize the weapon. If no continuing safety issue is presented, then the officer could cite and release the violator or submit a report to the city prosecutor. If there is a strong possibility of a continuing public safety issue, then the officer should arrest the violator.