BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M.
(KRQE) – Disturbing footage captures the intense moments when deputies encountered two children, younger than ten years old, who were holding a firearm.
Two lads in the footage
are seven and nine years old, and Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen attributed their drone program as key to preventing what might have turned into a fatal shooting. Rather than facing charges, officials mentioned they are aiming to connect the family with mental health resources.
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It was an intense situation as deputies pleaded with two children to drop their weapon. This occurred in February when Bernalillo County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call about a previous visit site where a nine-year-old and a seven-year-old had found a firearm. Following five minutes of persuasion, the officers discharged a non-lethal round into the wall and then swiftly intervened to seize the gun from the minors.
The deputies documented everything using a drone. “If we didn’t have our drone program,” stated Sheriff John Allen of Bernalillo County, “we likely would have entered the situation without sufficient information, leading to an early deadly encounter. You can picture how poorly things could have turned out had we ended up having to shoot a 7- and 9-year-old.”
Following the securement of the weapon, officials from the BCSO stated that their behavioral health team assumed control of the situation. As of now, no charges have been brought forward. “Given that we’re handling this as a matter involving a seven- and nine-year-old, we must consider the responsibilities of adults regarding access to firearms,” explained Sheriff Allen. They are currently investigating whether the Bennie Hargrove law applies to this scenario.
Over the past three months since the case began, the BCSO has connected the family with various forms of assistance including trauma therapy for managing cases, medical services, and behavioral support. “There’s only so much I can share, so let me be brief,” stated Danielle Smith, who is handling the case for the family. She added, “We have identified the source of certain behaviors observed in the children, which is currently under address.”
The BCSO mentioned that the case is still being investigated, and they are working to determine precisely how the children obtained access to the firearm. According to the county’s behavioral unit, the assistance provided thus far totals approximately 100 hours of social services.
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