SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. -- A suicidal man shot by Spokane Valley Police had a very real looking air pistol when police started shooting. 27-year-old David Glidden was shot twice last Friday outside his house. He's in serious condition at Sacred Heart Medical Center.
Police say it's hard to tell the difference between what's real and what's fake if you can't get a close-up inspection.
Bob Murphy has been selling air soft pistols at the General Store for three years including one modelled after a Colt 1911. Authorities say this is the same kind of air gun Glidden had when he was shot. A friend called 911 worried Glidden was suicidal and armed. He said he even heard a gun cock in the background.
Based on that information, Spokane Police Officer Jennifer DeRuwe expects officers to respond defensively. The only clear difference between her service weapon and a toy gun is the bright orange tip.
"Telling the difference between a fake gun and a real one would be very hard," said DeRuwe.
Especially if the tip is painted or covered with tape. Officers say the time it takes to tell whether or not a gun is real or fake is a luxury they don't have.
