thompsonVCchiefValley City (CSi) The North Dakota Bureau of Investigation, the Barnes County State’s Attorney, and the City Attorney found no criminal conduct or violation of procedural rules against Valley City Police Chief Fred Thompson.

The investigation stemmed from in an October 3, 2015 incident in Valley City, when Thompson drew his firearm and pointed it at a man who was pointing an Airsoft rifle at children in Valley City.

The results of the BCI investigation show that Chief Thompson used his training and experience to neutralize an unknown threat, making sure everyone was safe.

In the report Thompson saw a man behind a tree pointing what appeared to be an assault weapon at some children. He drew his service weapon and ordered the individual to drop the weapon. It was later determine that the weapon was an Airsoft rifle which resembled an assault rifle.

Airsoft rifles and pistols have orange tips to indicate they are toys.

There have been several incidents across the United States which resulted in police wounding or killing individuals possessing airsoft weapons because either the police did not see the orange tips, the tips were painted black, or orange tips had been placed on real firearms. Because these ambiguities occur, a law enforcement officer must assume the worst to ensure a safe resolution to any situation.