Federal Way police want stiffer penalties for fake-gun users

Federal Way police want stiffer penalties for fake-gun users | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA, Sept. 15, 2008. "Federal Way Police Chief Brian J. Wilson wants the Legislature to change second-degree assault so it includes the use of Airsoft-type pistols." On the one hand, someone brandishing a toy gun or paintball gun that looks like a real gun can create a dangerous situation: the police are more likely to fire, endangering the gun holder and bystanders.

But on the other hand,

[A] local defense attorney, Brett Purtzer of Tacoma, said the proposed change in the law isn’t a good idea.

“I think the statute is pretty clear it has to be a deadly weapon,” Purtzer said. “If you start adding things in there, where do you draw the line?”

I didn't find out how the city council voted.