The LE could have done a number of things ... pepper spray, shock-taser, and other non-lethal methods come to mind.
I know for military on post and police officers there is or should be a Escalation of Force. The basics could go as such:
Unknown person approaches, Guard uses voice and hand signals to halt or ID individual
Unknown person pulls object from pocket, Guard raises weapon and again uses voice and arm signal
Unknown person points weapon at Guard, Guard (depending on situation) fires warning shot or lethal shot.
I know that is the basic one for us currently overseas depending on the local ROE. From the article given the officer should have been at the 2nd stage. If the kid was stupid enough to not say anything and point a "fake gun" at a police officer then they obviously where not taught weapon safety or cared to have common sense.
I feel its tragic that stories like this one are blown out of proportion and try to get rid of airsoft. Though I doubt I will see many stories telling how Airsoft got an obese kid to get skinney and possibly saving his life, because good wholesome stories about better people never make it on the news.
Lastly I hope the officer thinks of better ways to influence how situations go and is able to communicate better with individuals so messages are not misinterpreted.
