An 11-year-old Florida boy has been arrested after reportedly pointing a gun at two people in an attempt to steal their cars, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
According to records, the boy is charged with armed carjacking and two counts of armed robbery.
What led to the 11-year-old’s arrest?
Deputies say they responded to two separate complaints regarding suspicious events.
Officials responded to the first complaint at about 3:06 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, in the Meadowbrook neighborhood.
The victim claimed that the 11-year-old suspect displayed a gun at them and demanded their car keys. The victim informed deputies that they recognized the child from a previous interaction.
Because the carjacking failed, investigators said the suspect fled the scene on foot.
Deputies responded to a second armed robbery attempt at about 4:07 p.m. on the same day in the Hills of Santa Fe neighborhood.
According to records, the victims in this crime claimed the suspect pointed a gun at them and demanded their automobile.
When law enforcement arrived, they reported seeing the suspect escaping on foot.
Authorities stated that after interviewing the victims, they discovered that the suspects in both crimes were the same.
Deputies tracked down the 11-year-old, found him at his home in the Hills of Santa Fe area, and arrested him.
When officials searched his home, they discovered a miniature replica handgun, which turned out to be a novelty lighter.
