Three friends who were reportedly driving around a Washington neighborhood on a recent Tuesday are now facing legal problems in connection with their travels. Police say the teenagers have been arrested. They are accused of committing drive-by shootings around town with airsoft guns.
Police were informed about a 5-year-old girl
Police say that they began searching for a silver pickup truck carrying several teenagers after receiving a report that a 5-year-old girl had been shot with airsoft pellets while playing in her yard. It was just before 5 p.m. when the incident is said to have taken place. Investigators also received information regarding a person who was at an intersection in the same town who claims to have suffered large welts after the teens allegedly took turns firing their guns. Seven additional people came forward to report similar incidents, five of whom were minors and two who were adults.
Investigators showed up at a West First Avenue residence
Police stated that their search for the teenagers led them to a particular house on West First Avenue. It was at this house that they arrested three people, ages 19, 17 and 14. The 19-year-old was booked at a county jail on charges of third-degree assault. The younger teens were taken to a juvenile detention center and are facing similar criminal charges.
Juveniles may request legal support when questioned by police
In Washington and beyond, a juvenile who is facing arrest is entitled to the same legal support that any adult facing similar charges might have. For instance, a teenager does not have to answer questions under interrogation without the presence of legal representation. A concerned parent whose teenage child has been charged with a crime may request a meeting with a criminal defense attorney who is experienced in juvenile justice, to discuss what might be done to help mitigate the circumstances.