A Harvey resident has launched a campaign to prevent vendors from selling air-powered pellet guns, following an incident at last week's Harvey Agricultural Show.
Create a free account to read this article
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Monica Benzie and her family were preparing for the fireworks show, before her son David, 7, was hit with a round from an air-powered pellet gun.
Suffering damage to the optic nerve and cornea in his left eye, David was rushed to Harvey Hospital.
The 7-year-old has since undergone multiple appointments with an ophthalmologist.
Mrs Benzie said two vendors were selling air-powered pellet guns during the event.
"Up until David was shot, we didn't realise that there was anything coming out of the gun," she said.
"One of the vendors was turning them out left, right, and centre. They were being sold at $25 each, and he was handing them out with the rounds.
"I would like for the vendors, and anyone else selling these guns to people under 18, to be held responsible."
Mrs Benzie said the guns were classified as an 'unlicensed firearm' and prohibited within Western Australia.
Harvey Police said they would conduct further inquiries into allegations of the guns being sold at the event.
"Information provided to police is that two vendors were selling plastic guns capable of projecting solid plastic and water filled plastic pellets," a police spokesperson said.
"Investigations are continuing to identify the vendors of these items, and what, if any offences were committed with their possession or use.
"Anyone who purchased one of these products may hand them in at their local station."
Harvey Agricultural Society president Cheryl Moyle said they were all deeply saddened by the incident.
Read more:
