By Staff Writer Daniel Locke
CALERAAccording to a departmental Facebook post, the Calera Police Department received a report of suspicious activity involving minors in the Waterford Clubhouse parking lot last weekend.
The scene was attended by a patrol officer and a sergeant. They went up to one of the suspects and asked him to take his hand out of his hoodie pocket. When the suspect refused, the sergeant took his hand away and found a gun hidden inside. The suspect was taken into custody and the gun was found.
Calera Chief of Police David Hyche wrote in the post that it is absurd for kids to carry firearms in a subdivision clubhouse, playground, and pool area since it puts everyone—including themselves—in danger.
In order to detain the second suspect, the patrol officer went up to him and took him by the arm. The suspect refused to comply and started to leave, eventually fleeing on foot.
When the suspect threw a handgun into a space where young children were present, the officer retrieved the weapon and stopped pursuing the suspect. The suspect fled the area in a car, the department was notified.
Although I’m happy that this incident ended amicably and I’m proud of these two policemen, Hyche stated that violent crime involving children and firearms is occurring at frightening rates throughout our state and nation.
Both individuals have now been referred for juvenile prosecution once the second suspect was discovered. Neither of the suspects lives in Waterford or a nearby community.
In her post’s conclusion, Hyche urged parents to intervene right away if they believe their kids are engaging in unlawful activity. He informed parents about the tools available to assist kids in these circumstances in changing their conduct.
Parents should intervene immediately rather than waiting for a tragedy to happen if they suspect their children are participating in gangs, selling or using drugs, or carrying guns, Hyche advised. Give us a call and speak with one of our SROs; we’ll be happy to assist. Resources that might assist parents and kids are connected to our CASE program.
