Brothers With ARMS – Caught RED-HANDED!

Two young brothers in New Mexico found themselves in a dangerous standoff with authorities after being discovered playing with a loaded gun, prompting potential charges against their parents.

At a Glance

• Two brothers, ages 7 and 9, were caught on video handling a loaded firearm in Bernalillo County, NM
• Deputies used a drone and non-lethal bean bag to safely disarm the children
• The children’s father is incarcerated, and both parents may face charges
• Sheriff’s department has been called to the family’s home over 50 times
• Sheriff expressed frustration that the children were returned to their mother after the incident

Children Discovered With Loaded Weapon

The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a serious incident on May 9 when a 7-year-old boy, previously reported missing, was located at a residence where he and his 9-year-old brother were handling a loaded gun. 

The dangerous situation came to light after a concerned neighbor reported the incident, providing video evidence of the children with the weapon. Deputies promptly responded to the scene, employing tactical measures to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including the two young boys.

Using their drone program, deputies were able to assess the volatile situation from a safe distance before intervening. The technology proved crucial in preventing what Sheriff John Allen suggested could have been a fatal incident. Once officers had determined the safest approach, they deployed a non-lethal bean bag to disarm the children without causing serious injury to either of them.

Parental Responsibility Under Scrutiny

The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office is now considering pressing charges against the parents of the two boys involved in the gun incident. According to reports, the children’s father is currently incarcerated and may face additional charges under Bennie’s Law, which addresses improper storage of firearms. The investigation has revealed disturbing details about the circumstances leading to the dangerous situation, including allegations that one of the parents had taught the 7-year-old how to use firearms.

“We do know from some of the interviews we have done, we know the child was pulling the trigger. He was taught how to use a firearm by one of his parents. That’s something we are looking into”, Sheriff Allen said.

The investigation also uncovered that law enforcement has been called to the family’s home more than 50 times, indicating a pattern of concerning behavior and potential neglect. Despite the serious nature of the recent incident and this troubling history, Sheriff Allen expressed frustration that state authorities returned the children to their mother’s custody after the gun incident, questioning whether this decision was in the best interest of the children’s safety and welfare.

Behavioral Health Connections Being Investigated

Beyond the immediate gun safety concerns, deputies are investigating potential connections between the family and behavioral health services. This aspect of the investigation points to a more comprehensive approach to addressing the underlying issues that may have contributed to the dangerous situation. Sheriff Allen’s department appears to be advocating for a unified support strategy that addresses not only the firearms safety violations but also any mental health or behavioral challenges facing the family.

For law-abiding gun owners, this case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of proper firearm storage and safety education. With children’s lives at stake, the consequences of negligent gun storage extend far beyond legal penalties to potential tragedy. The case also highlights the challenging balance between parental rights and child welfare that authorities must navigate when addressing dangerous home situations.

System Failures Under Review

Sheriff Allen has characterized the situation as a “system of failure” that allowed the armed 7-year-old to initially run away and subsequently be returned to what may be an unsafe environment. This critique raises important questions about the effectiveness of current child protection protocols and the coordination between law enforcement and social services. The sheriff’s office continues to monitor the situation closely, maintaining that their primary concern is ensuring the safety and well-being of the children involved.