Don't point the damn gun toy or otherwise at passing cars and you won't get arrested.
It's just that simple.
I can't believe the number of people around here (Colorado Springs) defying the kids and trashing the cops for how they handled the situation.
I defended neither the cops nor the kids. In case my post above was somehow unclear:
1. The kids parents apparently failed to instruct their kids (as mine did, BTW) not to point even toy guns at people.
2. Or maybe the parents did, and the kids disobeyed. Either way, there is blame to be had among the kids family.
3. The motorists properly called the police. At distance while moving they probably could not discern toy from real.
4. It was proper for the police officers to come, as the kids were disruptive and might even have endangered themselves.
5. My problem with what the police did was their disproportionate response. Sternly lecturing the kids and parents would have proper; arresting, cuffing, and booking the kids was way over-the-top disproportionate.
6. As was the juvenile court's trying and sentencing them to community service.