'The Gun, Or The Lighter?' Cops Faced A Grave Decision As 14-Year-Old Reached Toward His Waistband

OSSINING, NY — A Westchester teen put himself in jeopardy for a foolish reason, according to police in Ossining.

Officers said they recovered a lighter designed to realistically resemble a handgun from a 14-year-old who ran from them while repeatedly reaching toward his waistband, apparently trying to toss it.

"You can imagine how tragically that encounter could have ended," the Ossining Police Department said in a statement.

Officials took to social media to urge parents to be on the lookout for potential dangerous items among their children's possessions.

"Be in your kids' business," the department urged. "They may not appreciate it today, but they’ll appreciate making it to adulthood."