Back in January, I reported on New Yorkers who were supporting a toy gun ban. At the time, the argument in favor of the ban was that "kids can make toy guns look real simply by spray-painting a gun black, or hiding the toy trademark with tape." Earlier this month, lawmakers in Annapolis announced plans for a similar ban on the toys, even though local police have vowed not to enforce it. (So much for garnering respect for the law.)

After an inmate used a "fake gun" to escape from a Washington court room, perhaps states will consider extending the ban to include legal pads, toilet paper, and ball-point pens.

Harold McCord's "gun" was made of cardboard from the backing of legal pads, stuffed with toilet paper and covered with newspaper blackened with ink from a ballpoint pen.

Guards lowered their firearms after McCord pulled out his "gun" in a Washington court room. He was permitted to flee the scene. Once outside, McCord stole a pickup truck, and escaped. He is still at large.

McCord had been sentenced to life in prison without parole, under Washington State's "three strikes law". I wonder if a "fourth strike" means they'll eject him from "the game".

UPDATE: Random Nuclear Strikes notes that McCord was indeed ejected from the game. Analog Kid notes that even though McCord had three strikes and a foul tip, his "family is already in touch with a lawyer and they plan on suing the involved police agencies. They say 'He was a good guy'."

Related articles:
Guns for Tots - 02/07/2003
Taking a Bite Out of Toy Gun Crime - 01/02/2003
Kids don't kill people, 'Violent Toys' do - 12/02/2002
Great Moments in Law Enforcement - 11/21/2002