That generic statement is what you are going to hang your hat on? That means the same thing as they pointed a gun at a child?
Listen to yourself...
I only read the excerpt above. I'm not trying to prove anything. It is stated that they pulled their guns. Rather than point them at the ground, I think it is likely they pointed them at the occupants of the car. The children are part of the family and were in the car... Voilà.