Police arrest 11-year-old after month-long crime spree that included car thefts and shootings
One preteen told police that the teen was part of a known group of hooligans who referred to themselves as the 'Kia Boyz'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Albuquerque, New Mexico, police on Thursday nabbed a preteen after he allegedly terrorized residents for a month with burglaries, auto thefts and shootings.
Albuquerque Police Department Chief Harold Medina said he was disappointed to see an 11-year-old arrested for crimes ranging from burglary to shooting a firearm.
"But this armed individual’s behavior was escalating, and he was a danger to the community," Medina said. "We need to do something about the toxic mix of guns and social media. Kids need consequences."
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According to local reports, the boy, whose identity was not released because of his age, is facing several charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, shooting into an occupied dwelling, aggravated battery, unlawful possession of a weapon by a minor, non-residential burglary, criminal damage to property over $1,000 and conspiracy to commit a fourth-degree felony.
Albuquerque police apprehended a preteen after allegedly terrorizing a neighborhood. (Albuquerque Police Department)
The crime spree began on May 5, when a Kia Forte was stolen in northeast Albuquerque. A week later, a woman reported that four juveniles were throwing rocks at the windows of her home and hit her leg. That same day, a 12-year-old called the police and said a group of boys, who call themselves the "Kia Boyz" and are known to frequent the area, were throwing rocks at her house and trying to break in.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A group of teens called the "Kia Boyz" have been linked to criminal activity. (Getty Images)
On May 17, Albuquerque officers responded to a commercial burglary, where an individual witnessed a stolen vehicle crash through the entrance of a store, causing $15,000 in damage.
Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina holds a press conference. (APD)
On May 29, a man called police reporting that he had been shot at by four juveniles in a blue Kia after he had told them to leave the front of his home where they had been parked.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Additionally, last week, Albuquerque police were alerted about a man who had been shot in the hand on General Chennault St. A handgun was later recovered at the scene.