Coronado, December 3, 2025
A 46-year-old man was detained in Coronado after pointing a lighter resembling a handgun at pedestrians, prompting a swift police response. Officers confirmed the object was a lighter, not a real firearm. The man, currently on parole, was arrested for an active misdemeanor warrant. Local authorities are emphasizing the importance of relying on official information as they investigate the incident further. Displaying imitation firearms in a threatening manner, a misdemeanor under California law, raises serious legal concerns.
Coronado, California – Man Detained After Allegedly Pointing Replica Handgun Lighter on Orange Avenue
Coronado police detained a 46-year-old man on November 29, 2025, after he allegedly pointed a lighter designed to resemble a handgun at pedestrians on the 1000 block of Orange Avenue. No shots were fired, and no injuries were reported.
Incident Details
At approximately 6:53 PM, officers responded to reports of a man brandishing what appeared to be a firearm. The San Diego Police Department’s Airborne Law Enforcement (ABLE) unit assisted in locating the suspect, who was subsequently detained without incident. The object in question was determined to be a lighter fashioned to resemble a pistol. The man, who is on parole, was arrested on an active misdemeanor warrant. No real firearms were recovered during the incident. Authorities are urging residents to rely on official updates rather than social media rumors as the investigation continues.
Legal Implications of Imitation Firearms
In California, displaying or exhibiting an imitation firearm in a threatening manner is a misdemeanor offense under Penal Code 417.4. This law applies even when the weapon is not real, emphasizing the potential legal consequences of such actions.
Background Context
Similar incidents have occurred in California, highlighting the risks associated with imitation firearms. For instance, in 2013, 13-year-old Andy Lopez was fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy in Santa Rosa after carrying an airsoft gun designed to resemble an AK-47 assault rifle. The deputy mistook the replica for a real firearm, leading to tragic consequences. This incident underscores the importance of understanding the potential dangers and legal ramifications of carrying imitation firearms in public spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in Coronado on November 29, 2025?
A 46-year-old man was detained after allegedly pointing a lighter designed to resemble a handgun at pedestrians on the 1000 block of Orange Avenue. No shots were fired, and no injuries were reported.
What was the object the man pointed at pedestrians?
The object was a lighter fashioned to resemble a pistol.
What charges did the man face?
The man, who is on parole, was arrested on an active misdemeanor warrant.
What are the legal consequences of displaying imitation firearms in California?
In California, displaying or exhibiting an imitation firearm in a threatening manner is a misdemeanor offense under Penal Code 417.4.
Are there other similar incidents in California?
Yes, similar incidents have occurred, such as the 2013 fatal shooting of 13-year-old Andy Lopez in Santa Rosa, who was carrying an airsoft gun designed to resemble an AK-47 assault rifle.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1000 block of Orange Avenue, Coronado, California |
| Date and Time | November 29, 2025, approximately 6:53 PM |
| Suspect’s Age | 46 years old |
| Object Displayed | Lighter resembling a handgun |
| Outcome | Suspect detained; no shots fired; no injuries reported |
| Legal Status of Suspect | On parole; arrested on active misdemeanor warrant |
| Legal Implications | Violation of Penal Code 417.4 for displaying imitation firearm in threatening manner |
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