Abstract
BackgroundThe popularity of air weapons is increasing. They are often viewed as toys, rather than potentially lethal weapons. Regulations on purchase and ownership of air weapons differ from country to country. The majority of fatal and non-fatal air gun accidents involve children less than 16 years of age.Case presentationIn this report, we present a fatal case resulting from an accident involving an air gun. An accident happened between two brothers aged 9 and 7 and was initially considered to be a traumatic wound inflicted by falling on a scooter handle. Upon the arrival of an experienced police inspector, the cause of child’s death was called into question and it was discovered that unlicensed, loaded air gun was left unattended in a backyard shed. It was later established that the cause of death was a fatal gunshot wound to the chest and a pointed lead pellet was found in the boy’s liver.ConclusionsThe public and governments should be advised that air guns can be dangerous weapons which may cause serious injuries and even death. We believe that air guns should be regulated by the same laws that apply to firearms.
Highlights
The popularity of air weapons is increasing
The significant increase in air weapon offenses can be explained by the law from 2012 that tightened the consequences of illegal fire weapon possession and use
Greater ownership of air weapons leads to more criminal offenses by air weapons
Summary
The popularity of air weapons is increasing. There was a statistically significant increase in the frequency of criminal offenses by air weapons during that period (Mantel-Haenszel Test of Linear Association, P < 0.001) (Fig. 1), especially the offenses of property damage and killing and torture of animals The significant increase in air weapon offenses can be explained by the law from 2012 that tightened the consequences of illegal fire weapon possession and use. Greater ownership of air weapons leads to more criminal offenses by air weapons. In those 69 cases, the result was bodily injury, while only one air weapon-related offense (0.44%) resulted in death. A legal proceeding was started against the boy’s grandfather for the offense of “Endangerment to Life and Property by a Generally Dangerous Act or Means” (Article 215 of the Croatian Criminal Code)
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