Elderly man suspected of brandishing rifle replica at children in Hacienda Heights

HACIENDA HEIGHTS — Deputies arrested a 78-year-old man Wednesday on suspicion of brandishing a fake rifle at two children, authorities said.
Frank Chambers was booked on suspicion of brandishing an imitation firearm, which is a misdemeanor, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Lt. Steve Katz said.
The incident was reported about 3 p.m. near Stimson Avenue and La Monde Street, Lt. Hiroshi Yokoyama said.
Two 12-year-old boys were walking when Chambers apparently thought the kids were trespassing or getting to close, he said.
He brandished a rifle, which was later determined to be a replica, as he told the children to get away from his property, Yokoyama said.
“It wasn’t pointed at the children,” he added, “It was just displayed in a rude and threatening manner.”
Police took caution as they surrounded the home, Yokoyama said, but the man came out and surrendered to deputies without incident.
Because the crime the man is suspected of is a misdemeanor, he said, deputies had the parents of the alleged victims place the man under private person’s arrest. Deputies are not authorized to arrest people on suspicion of misdemeanors not committed in their presence.
Chambers was expected to be released with a citation late Wednesday.

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