ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque police officers took an 11-year-old boy into custody late Thursday following a series of violent crimes.

“I am grateful that we took this young suspect into custody without our officers having to use force,” APD Chief Harold Medina said. “Despite his age, this suspect is considered very dangerous because of his use of a firearm and his escalating violence.”

Police have provided the following timeline of incidents involving the suspect:

• May 5, 2024 – A Kia Forte was stolen in northeast Albuquerque and was recovered an hour later.
• May 12, 2024 – A woman reported to police that there were four juveniles who were throwing rocks at the residence and trying to break the windows of the home. The woman was struck in the leg.
• May 12, 2024 – A 12-year-old victim called 911 and reported there was a group of juveniles throwing rocks at her home, trying to break into her home. The caller was able to identify some of the juveniles in the group. She stated they were known as the Kia Boyz and were known to frequent the area.
• May 17, 2024 – APD officers responded to a commercial burglary at 12900 Indian School NE. An individual observed a vehicle drive in reverse and crash into the front security door of the business. There was over $15,000 in theft and damages. The vehicle was identified as a stolen grey Kia.
• May 29, 2024 – A male contacted 911 stating he had been shot at on Cordova Avenue by 4 juveniles in a blue Kia. The male caller stated there was an unknown Kia parked outside his home and there were 4 juveniles inside. He asked the juveniles to leave. The juveniles left and shortly returned and shot at the victim. A 9mm casing was recovered at the residence of the male victim.
• June 1, 2024 – APD detectives were contacted about a shooting that occurred on General Chennault. There were reports of a male who had been shot in the hand and a gun was located at the scene. The gun was identified as a 9mm handgun.

Medina said police faced roadblock after roadblock while looking for a place to keep the juvenile in custody.

“Fortunately the governor, District Attorney’s Office and CYFD stepped in and helped us,” the police chief said. “I hope the Legislature will take action to deal with the growing issue of young juveniles who are using guns and stealing cars, while trying to get attention on social media.”

The juvenile has been charged with the following:

• 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
• Conspiracy to commit a fourth-degree felony