If there are any kids in Waukegan dreaming that Santa’s going to put a Daisy Red Ryder air rifle under the tree this year like the one Ralphie Parker got in “A Christmas Story,” the city wants to know if their wish comes true.
Under an ordinance passed last week, the City Council wants anyone who buys a BB gun, pellet gun, air rifle, air gun or a CO2-powered weapon to provide their names and addresses to the sellers.
The merchant would be required to pass on information to the Waukegan Police Department. Storeowners who fail to forward the information would face a fine and a business license suspension.
Police Chief Bill Biang said firing an air gun in Waukegan is illegal and said he hopes the new regulation will help police track ownership.
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“We just arrested a juvenile who shot up 16 or 17 car windows with a BB gun,” Biang said. “Now if we have a problem in a particular area, we’ll be able to see if someone recently purchased one.”
Still available in make-your-own kits, a replica 1938 Ryder comes with a walnut-stained solid wood stock with the Red Ryder logo.
“Just don’t shoot your eye out,” Biang said.