Five teenagers were arrested over the weekend in separate incidents involving firearms. They were released back to their guardians at the scene due to overcrowding and understaffing at the juvenile detention center, according to police.
Two of the youths arrested, Luciano Chavez, 15, and William Maxx, 16, are currently on active juvenile probation, according to police. The news release did not identify the two others who were charged.
Police report that on Saturday, March 4, APD detectives received a bait car activation alert after four juveniles stole a city-owned bait car.
Detectives monitored the teens with internal surveillance and allegedly witnessed them passing a firearm around, pointing it from the vehicle, and casing various neighborhoods and highly populated areas.
The vehicle was disabled near the Coors Bypass and police say the juveniles fled from it before it came to a complete stop.
Officers were able to detain the youth. They are charged with unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a handgun by a person under 19, tampering with evidence, and resisting, evading, and obstructing an officer.
Also over the weekend, another teen was arrested for allegedly firing a weapon inside a local restaurant.
Serenity Maldonado, 17, was arrested Sunday, March 3, and charged with one count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and the negligent use of a deadly weapon.
Police report Maldonado went into an IHOP restaurant located near Ouray Road and Coors Blvd and was verbally aggressive. She allegedly pulled a firearm out and began waving it at employees and a group of diners.
When the diners moved to the back of the restaurant, police say they heard multiple gunshots.
The diners left the restaurant and reported to police that they saw Maldanado leave the scene in a white Toyota Tacoma.
Officers checked the area and found a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description on Americare Court, near Quail Road and Coors Blvd NW.
The vehicle appeared to be involved in a crash and officers detained three individuals. While conducting the investigation, officers were approached by Maldonado. She was not involved in the crash.
After the victims identified Maldonado, she was taken into custody.