Point Boro Boy Facing Charges in BB Gun Incident

A 15-year-old Point Borough boy was charged on Friday with criminal mischief and gun possession after allegedly firing a BB handgun into windows, police said.

The boy is charged with unlawful possession of a handgun, unlawful possession of a handgun on school grounds and criminal mischief for said Captain Richard Larsen. Five windows were shattered.

Larsen noted that BB guns have been known to cause severe injuries and even death. The boy was with two 14-year-old boys at the time.

The charges will be transferred to the Ocean County Juvenile Court for review and possible ajudication, Larsen said.

The boy is still in his mother's custody, Larsen said.

A BB gun is a firearm, according to state criminal law, which is why the boy is charged with "possession of a handgun," Larsen explained.

Anyone purchasing a BB handgun needs a handgun permit and, to purchase a BB rifle, one needs a firearm identification card, he said.

The only time a minor is allowed to fire a BB gun is at a firing range under adult supervision, according to state law, Larsen said.

When asked about whether legal gun owners are allowed to fire guns in general, Larsen that that while different towns have different ordinances regarding the discharge of firearms, Point Borough does not allow it.