Armed Standoff: 7 and 9-Year-Old Boys Detained After Police Incident

New Mexico Deputies Respond to Armed Standoff with Young Boys: A Complex Case of Juvenile Crime and Mental Health Bernalillo County, NM – In a startling incident that has raised concerns about juvenile crime and mental health, two young boys, aged 7 and 9, were involved in an armed standoff with deputies on May 11, 2025. The boys, clad in pajamas featuring popular characters from Minecraft and Star Wars, were found to be in possession of a loaded handgun. The incident unfolded at a residential property in Bernalillo County, where deputies responded to a call. "The situation was extremely tense," stated Sheriff Manny Gonzales in a press conference. "Our deputies acted with incredible restraint and professionalism, prioritizing the safety of the children and the community." The video footage, released by Fox News, shows the boys behind a partially covered air conditioning unit, appearing to be holding the firearm. The deputies carefully approached the scene, eventually taking the children into custody without incident. The Sheriff’s office emphasized the complexity of the situation, stating that it involved a "complex intersection of juvenile crime, mental health, and public safety." The boys were not immediately arrested but were taken into protective custody for evaluation. The investigation is ongoing, and the Sheriff’s office is working with child protective services and mental health professionals to determine the appropriate course of action. The incident highlights the need for increased awareness of gun safety and the importance of addressing mental health issues among young people.