Young Brothers Pass Gun, Pull Trigger at Police in New Mexico

A tense situation unfolded in Albuquerque earlier this year when two young brothers, ages 7 and 9, were found handling a loaded firearm. The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office confirmed the incident occurred on February 16th, raising serious questions about child safety and responsible gun ownership.

Drone footage released by the Sheriff's Office shows the children, casually dressed in character-themed T-shirts, passing the weapon between them. Law enforcement officers on the scene repeatedly instructed the boys to drop the gun, as captured in body camera recordings.

Sheriff John Allen stated that a non-lethal round was deployed to create a distraction after which, one of the boys pointed the gun and pulled the trigger. Thankfully, the firearm malfunctioned, preventing a potentially devastating outcome. Allen acknowledged that had the weapon fired, deputies might have been forced to use deadly force, a scenario with far-reaching implications.

Following the attempted firing of the weapon, a deputy successfully approached the children and secured the gun. The brothers were taken into custody without injury, and the firearm was confiscated.

Investigation Underway, No Arrests Made

As of May 12th, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident, according to Sheriff's Deputy Connor Otero. The investigation remains active, with authorities working to determine the circumstances that led to the children possessing a loaded weapon. The boys have been returned to their parents' custody, pending the outcome of the investigation and potential criminal charges.

The Sheriff's Office highlighted the crucial role of drone technology in de-escalating the situation. According to a press release, the use of drones enabled deputies to quickly and safely secure the area, preventing a potentially fatal confrontation.

Sheriff Emphasizes Need for Support Systems

Sheriff John Allen stressed the complexities of the case, highlighting the intersection of juvenile crime, mental health, and public safety. He emphasized the need for expanded services and support systems for juveniles involved in firearms or violent crimes. The department is taking steps to address service gaps and improve their ability to work with at-risk youth, Allen said.