(01/12/06) TOMS RIVER ? Ocean County Prosecutor Thomas Kelaher said Thursday he wants stricter toy gun laws on the books to prevent a tragic accident in the future.

In order to distinguish toy guns from real firearms, manufacturers are required to place an orange cap at the end of the barrel. However, Kelaher says young people often remove these caps or simply change their color with paint. The prosecutor believes the authenticity of the toy guns will eventually lead to police officers fatally shooting individuals holding fake weapons.

Kelaher is now proposing guidelines in which toy guns can only be sold to adults. He also wants the toys manufactured in bold, bright colors that would be illegal for anyone to alter.