An armed offenders callout was sparked after a 16-year-old was seen walking down a rural road wearing combat clothing and carrying a BB gun in Masterton.
Police Senior Sergeant Carolyn Watson said a member of the public reported the youth with a firearm around 7pm on Saturday, on Te Whiti Rd, about 1km from Lees Pakaraka Rd.
The boy had not been firing it, Ms Watson said. He was located at his home, where he told police he had just been walking home from eeling.
"People need to be aware that if they're walking down the road with what looks like a firearm they are going to attract the attention of the public and police," said Ms Watson.
It is the third time in a month the armed offenders squad has been called out for what turned out to be an imitation or BB gun.
