KINGSTON, N.Y. — Kingston police say what might be a game for some young people, could have serious consequences.

"Since July 6, we've received at least 20 or more calls from the area of Elmendorf Street by Tremper Avenue of shots fired calls which turned out to be kids with BB guns, explained Det. Lt. Thierry Croizer of the Kingston Police Department. 

Croizer says that youth and young adults might be participating in what police are calling a BB gun war. So far it's resulted in two known minor injuries and some minor property damage. 

"Our officers are responding to these calls, they're responding to a man with a gun call," said Crozier. "It could turn tragic very quickly and we don't want to see that happen."

The police put the information out on Facebook and are hoping the community works with them to get the incidents to stop. BB guns aren't illegal in Kingston, but it's illegal to fire them within the city. 

"We want parents to maybe help us," said Croizer. "Take these BB guns away from the kids and bring them somewhere where they can safely use them."

Residents who spoke with Spectrum News understood the safety issue and did hear about the “BB gun war.” But, they say the bigger issue in this neighborhood is providing resources for kids to have something to do that's better than shooting BB guns.

"I heard about it, but I don't see [the] harm in it," said resident Eleanor Brown. "BB guns are legal, they're just having to have fun. They're just trying to do what comes natural; police are just trying to turn it around to something bad."

Roy Henry, 21, has lived on the street since he was 14, and says over the years the opportunities for kids to have safe fun have dwindled. 

"I don't know why people would want to shoot each other up with BB guns, but that's what they're doing,” said Henry. “They need something more fun to do, and more affordable, too." 

Residents say youth don't have much occupying them since there isn't much nearby. 

"No opportunities for [anyone,] not for young black kids in Kingston to go and express themselves," said Brown. 

And they think the city could do more to deter this type of behavior. 

"If Kingston is really concerned about their youth, they should open up a center where these kids can go and have a good time," said Brown.