The city of Tulsa takes aim on BB gun vandalism

The Tulsa City Council passed an ordinance Thursday night making it illegal to carry air rifles or slingshots in the passenger area of a vehicle. <br><br>The ordinance was brought up because of a recent

Friday, January 31st 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The Tulsa City Council passed an ordinance Thursday night making it illegal to carry air rifles or slingshots in the passenger area of a vehicle.

The ordinance was brought up because of a recent rash of BB vandalism that's cost business owners tens of thousands of dollars in damage. But some feel since vandalism is already a crime, the new ordinance will simply target law-abiding citizens. Larry Williamson, â€œpeople have a legitimate reason for hobby interests whatever to transport a slingshot or BB gun in their car. And it's basically criminalizing a lawful activity which isn't directly related to a crime."

Owner of a Tulsa business, which was vandalized, Linda Snow, "Any object that is propelled from a moving vehicle should be considered a weapon and treated as such. Any weapon that is discharged from a moving vehicle should be considered a felony."

The measure passed 6-to-1. Tulsa Police say it's okay to carry BB guns or slingshots in a vehicle, as long as they're safely in the trunk.