Vape shops selling replica handgun torch lighters spark safety concerns despite being banned in 2010
Despite a 2010 ban, replica handgun torch lighters are being sold in vape shops, raising safety concerns for communities and law enforcement.Summary
Vape shops in Chicago and surrounding suburbs are selling replica handgun torch lighters, despite a 2010 Illinois law prohibiting their sale. Councilman Joseph Williams highlighted the danger, noting a replica 9mm lighter was purchased for $30 in Englewood. The concern is that these realistic replicas could be mistaken for actual firearms, potentially leading to tragic consequences. A 2022 incident where a police officer shot and paralyzed a 13-year-old after mistaking his cell phone for a weapon underscores the risk. Police Chief Terry White emphasized the danger these lighters pose to officers, even if not directly aimed at them, as they can trigger a defensive response. Efforts are underway to raise awareness and ensure vape shops comply with the existing law.
(Source：CBS News)
