Juveniles Say They Had BB Guns For "Protection"

Four teenage boys got in trouble this week, after carrying BB guns around school and firing at a man. 

Lima police were called to Heritage Elementary School Wednesday afternoon after reports of four boys in the area displaying firearms. 

After a short pursuit, the 12 and 13 year-olds were caught and the firearms determined to be BB guns. A man on his front porch was hit, but not hurt. 

When asked why they had the BB guns, the boys told police for quote protection. They didn't say where they got the BB guns and have since been suspended from school. Police say the parents were upset when they found out what happened. 

They say this is the fourth incident where teens are found with BB guns in the last month or so, and incidents like these become more common in the summer months. 

Officials say a change kids' behavior starts with parents and adults who are around them.   

Police say it's not illegal to carry a BB gun, but it is illegal to discharge one in the city limits.