A New Mexico sheriff's office defended its decision not to arrest two boys, ages 7 and 9, who were seen in drone footage holding a handgun during an armed standoff. The Sheriff, John Allen, emphasized the complexity of juvenile crime and mental health, opting for intervention over incarceration. Previous calls to the family revealed ongoing issues, and while the gun was seized, no charges were filed against the boys. The incident was highlighted alongside the sheriff's initiative to enhance support for juveniles involved in firearms offenses.
"This case illustrates the complex intersection of juvenile crime, mental health, and public safety," Sheriff John Allen said in a statement. "We are taking important steps to close service gaps and expand our ability to work with juveniles involved in firearms or violent crimes."
"Children are our future, and we know one side is going to say, 'Lock them in jail.' They're 7 and 9 years old. I understand the frontal lobe."
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