Taunton Police determine suspicious person at playground was teenager with pellet gun

TAUNTON — Chief Edward J. Walsh reports that Taunton Police responded to a report of a suspicious person at Hopewell Park and determined the individual to be a teenager with a pellet gun.

On Wednesday just before noon, Taunton Police received a 911 call from a Taunton Parks and Recreation camp employee stating that a general member of the public witnessed a juvenile male in possession of a firearm at the Hopewell Park playground.

All campers were immediately removed from the playground area and brought back to the camp location out of an abundance of caution.

Upon arrival, officers located a 13-year-old and 15-year-old male, one of whom matched the description of the suspect. Officers spoke with the juveniles, who were cooperative.

Through their subsequent investigation, officers learned that the juvenile had brought a pellet gun to the park to show his friends, and let a friend hold it briefly before returning it to his bag. The pellet gun was not functional and was not loaded.

Based on their investigation, Taunton Police determined that there was no threat to public safety, and that no crime had been committed.

Taunton Police took custody of the pellet gun from the juvenile, then brought him home. Taunton Police spoke with the juvenile’s mother and advised her of the report the department had received.

Taunton Police also spoke with the two juveniles about pellet gun safety and the appropriate times when pellet guns should be used.

Both juveniles will be issued a no-trespass order as a result of the incident and must stay away from Hopewell Park.