Near a playground, Calera police officers recently apprehended two juvenile offenders in possession of guns. They are now urging parents to intervene before a disaster occurs.
Based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a 2024 study by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions found that firearms are one of the main causes of death for children and teenagers in Alabama.
In a Facebook post, Calera Police Chief David Hyche stated that it is absurd for kids to carry firearms in a subdivision clubhouse, playground, and pool area, endangering not just themselves but also everyone else.
In 2022, there were 2,526 gun-related deaths in the US involving children aged 1 to 17, or almost seven every day. The report found that since 2020, firearms have been the main cause of death for children in this age group, with gun death rates rising by 106% since 2013.
The Calera Police Department was contacted this past weekend regarding suspicious activity in the Waterford clubhouse parking lot involving juveniles, one of whom was wearing a mask.
When a patrol officer and a sergeant arrived on the scene, they requested that one of the young people take his hand out of his hoodie pocket. When the young person resisted, the sergeant moved the suspect’s hand and discovered a weapon hidden inside.
The suspect was taken into custody and the pistol was found.
The second young person refused to comply with the patrol officer’s approach and fled. The man threw down a weapon as the police followed him on foot.
The officer secured the firearm and lost sight of the suspect because it was tossed in a place where small children were present. Police were informed that the suspect drove away from the scene.
Both suspects have been referred for juvenile prosecution, and the second suspect was subsequently identified.
Parents, if you think your children are participating in gangs, selling or using drugs, or carrying guns, act now rather than waiting for a tragedy to happen. Give us a call and speak with one of our SROs; we’ll be happy to assist. Our CASE program includes links to resources that might assist students and parents.
Although I’m happy that this incident ended amicably and proud of these two cops, violent crime involving children and firearms is occurring at frightening rates throughout our state and nation.
Children, teens, and families in Alabama can seek support from these local resources.
(205) 323-7777 is the United Way Crisis Center’s hotline, and (205) 328-5465 is their Youth Talk Line, which is for kids aged 6 to 18.
At (256) 716-1000, Crisis Services of North Alabama offers crisis counseling around-the-clock.
Additional crisis tools are available on the Alabama Public Health website.
988, the National Suicide Hotline, is open around-the-clock in Spanish and English.
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