This past Friday night Ilion police officers responded to a call that two youths were in possession of a handgun.
The caller, described as a neighbor, said they pointed a weapon with a laser-sight attachment at homes and appeared to load, according Captain Laurie Ann DeVaul.     
Arriving at the residence in the village of Ilion at 8:37 p.m., officers identified two young boys fitting the description and proceeded very cautiously, said DeVaul in a phone interview. “They clearly identified themselves and instructed; don’t move your hands.”
The officers then asked if they had any weapons, according to DeVaul. “One of the boys pulled up his shirt, and in his hand had a very real looking gun.”
 “I don’t think the youth was trying to threaten the officers; it was just being a youth, not knowing there are police officers here telling me not to move my hands.” said DeVaul. “Thankfully, both boys were very cooperative.”
The officers took four weapons, two handguns, a rifle, and a knife, from the boys, and after closer examination the guns and rifle were determined to be BB guns, according to DeVaul.
The handguns looked almost identical to those carried by the police, said DeVaul. “You wouldn’t know that it wasn’t a real firearm.”
“I think the officers did a great job in how they handled the situation.” said DeVaul. “This could’ve ended very tragically.”
The two boys, ages thirteen and fifteen, were charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a person under the age of 16 and issued tickets to appear at the Herkimer County Probation Department at a later date, according to police.
The Penal Law states that it is illegal for anyone under age 16 to possess any kind of knife or gun, be it air, spring or firearm. There is an exception for hunting licenses or permits pursuant to Department of Environmental Conservation regulations and in accordance with the law, according to police.
DeVaul referenced the boys handling of the officer’s commands. “The reaction of the youth reinforces why kids should not be given BB guns.” 
A  lot of parents don’t view BB guns as dangerous; but it is not only illegal for youths to possess weapons, it is prohibited for anyone to discharge any type of gun within the village, according to DeVaul.
“You can’t discharge a shotgun in the village, and you can’t discharge a BB gun either.” said DeVaul. Residents that have appropriate permits can use their weapon in designated sites only, such as wooded areas outside of municipalities with similar restrictions.
According to the Ilion police, if there is confusion on any issues regarding weapons contact your local police agency.