I saw this on the new this morning and then read the story. I think the police did what was right and don't seem to understand how (or why) the parents could blame the police for this, the police didn't steal the stuff, THEIR child did. So what are your opinions?

Police Arrest 3 Children After Bike Thefts
Parents Say Officers Went Too Far; Other Reaction Mixed



BALTIMORE -- The mothers of two boys accused of stealing bicycles said their sons should have been punished but not handcuffed by police and placed in a holding cell.

Meanwhile, the issue is getting mixed reactions throughout the area.


Three boys, ages 7, 8 and 11, were detained by police after an investigation into stolen bicycles.

The case was spurred on by a Medfield man who said customized bike parts have been disappearing from his yard for months.

The man said he caught three boys stealing from him Friday and that he chased one boy home. After that, he called 911 and, within the hour, the boys were under arrest.

Jesse Flayhart, 7, and Ayize Massey, 8, said that it started when the trio spied their neighbor's bikes, go-kart and scooter and decided to take them.

After the owner chased Ayize home and called authorities, Ayize said he confessed and led police to his friends.


The boys said they knew they were in trouble, but they weren't prepared for what happened next.

"As soon as they got another pair of handcuffs out, I knew they were going to put the handcuffs on me," Jesse said.

Massey's mother, Toya Goodson, said, "They called for a paddy wagon, and the paddy wagon came. They threw them in the back of the paddy wagon and they went down to juvenile detention."

The boys were released to their parents after about two hours, 11 News reporter Kerry Cavanaugh reported Monday night.

"They brought (Ayize) out of a bullpen with other, bigger children, with no shoes on, like a hardened criminal," Goodson said.

(Goodson also spoke Tuesday morning with WBAL-AM's Dave Durian. You can listen to that interview here.)

Police on Tuesday continued to stand by the arrests and the way they were handled.

"Whether you're 7, 17 or 70, the police department has an obligation to hold people accountable for their actions. In this case, the police officers arrested the juveniles and followed everything by the book," said police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.

Two years ago, Mayor Sheila Dixon apologized to the family of 7-year-old Gerard Mungo Jr., who was arrested after he was found sitting on a dirt bike. But on Tuesday, she didn't give the same response, though she said the incident was disturbing.

"Police were following their policy. Now, you know, if you ask me, I think I would've handled it a little bit differently," she said.

"I think it's apples and oranges, and I think, if anything, the parents owe the gentleman an apology," she said.

St. Joseph's Hospital child psychiatrist Dr. Mahmood Jahromi said the parents need to ask themselves why the boys broke the law in the first place.

"The question would be to the parents, 'Where are they when the children are out of sight?' Which group of friends are they associated with," Jahromi said.

The doctor said he believes the arrests will instill a healthy respect for authority in the children -- if their parents stop second-guessing the police.

"Parents are going to mold and shape that experience. If they look at it as a positive experience, it was a mistake -- the police did the right thing, they will learn," Jahromi said.

The boys' families said they think police went too far.

"This was the first time for these little boys they did something wrong...It could've been resolved without my son being put in handcuffs," Goodson said.
"We are just going to hold people accountable for their actions...If it was your property, you would want some justice for that."
- Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi

"I can't count the drug dealers in this neighborhood but a 7-year-old, 4 foot high, 65 pounds was put in handcuffs for two and a half hours?" Flayhart's mother, Jaime Greeley, said. (You can listen to Greely's Tuesday interview with Durian here.)

Public opinion on the issue seems split.

"I don't think that young kids should be put in handcuffs. I think there should be other ways in which they can handle that. That's a trauma they may have to deal with for the rest of their lives," said parent Sharon Solice.

"I think the point of what they did was to show children that these are the consequences of poor actions. It's not just to teach a lesson for that, but a life lesson," said city resident Cherise Orange.

Regardless, the arrests made a distinct impression on the boys, who said they wouldn't run afoul of the law again.

The boys were not charged. Instead, they'll take part in a diversionary program, which their mothers expect will include mediation with the property owner.

The owner said he still hasn't recovered several high-end bikes and that he'd rather see the parents arrested instead of the children.

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I just got a firm grip on reality....
Now I can strangle it

I agree with the cops.

Maybe they will learn from this and not be thugs when they get older. If it was my child, I would still feel the same way.

To many parents try to bale their kids out of trouble and turn a blind eye. It's no wonder todays teens are disrespectful and mouthy to their parents. They think they can get away with anything and that mommy and daddy will be there to clean up their mess.

Kids need to start taking responsibility for their actions. And if that means a 7yr old gets caught stealing, then so be it! Now he knows what it's like to be arrested and may deter him from future crimes.

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I say "Go Police!"

What's the big deal about handcuffs? They are confining metal rings around their wrists, not waterboarding. No pain, no physical damage... what's to whine about?

I can't imagine that bike-stealing is the only thing going on with those kids. How likely is it that they have a perfect, white picket fence existence and just happen to also steal bikes on the side? Not very.

The fact that the parents are moving around deck chairs and wanting to argue about the small stuff rather than acknowledging the sinking ship they've got their children on pretty much says it all... so in that regard, I pity the kids. They don't have a chance if their parents won't hold them accountable.

So I guess law enforcement will have to provide accountability.

I agree with arresting them and putting them in handcuffs, stealing is stealing - Scared Straight...hopefully

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Mary

I also agree with the police. Maybe if they were tougher on the youngest of the criminals crime would stop before they get to be adults.

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Laura
Please visit my blog
http://mylifeinlaurasworld.blogspot.com/

I agree with the way the police handled this. Sad to see children this young involved in crime, but that's what happened.

Not only do I think this is NOT too much, I think when a young boy or man gets in trouble for breaking the law the law enforcement people should get in their faces and say something to the effect of

"do you idiots know what happens to men who go to prison? First a group of them comes and finds you. They break your teeth out and shove their penises in your mouth. Then they bend you over something and loosen up your @h0l3 with a rolled up towel or broom handle or whatever is handy. Then they all take turns sticking their penises and fists up inside you."

I bet that would deter half a generation of youngsters from committing any more crimes.

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Faith + Love = Happy

"I think the point of what they did was to show children that these are the consequences of poor actions. It's not just to teach a lesson for that, but a life lesson," said city resident Cherise Orange.

I agree with this quote. If this happened more often perhaps the youth of today would feel that there is a consequence for doing something against the law. More often than not, there isn't any deterrent to a young person breaking the law. They are slapped on the wrist and let go. These parents need to stand behind the police

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

Too many parents have their own scripts which people who deal with their children are supposed to follow....police, teachers, coaches.

"Well, he may have done that...and I know it isn't right...but what you should have done ( or not done) is { fill in the space according to the individual script}. When you handcuffed him, spoke to him, took him out of the game, you made him feel bad, and we don't like and never do that in our house." **sigh**

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E. Roosevelt

I agree with the police! Maybe it'll teach these kids a lesson before they move on to more crimes. JMTCW!!

Jen

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Mom to Jake, Zach & Meghan
SJCC STREAKS FOOTBALL!!
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I'd be OK if the police handcuffed either of my two boys if they stole bicycles (or anything) from someone - regardless of age. If somehow they'd missed that lesson in the home, I'd be happy to have the police remind them.

I don't think that Anna's suggestion is a good one for children of this age (7.8.11), however.

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

I also agree with the handcuffs. There are consequences for your actions. Sorry it wasn't a picnic for the boys, but perhaps they will think twice before they do it again. I am so tired of parents making excuses for their child's behavior.

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I had an internship at a juvenile court in Virginia for about 18 months and I completely agree with the police's actions here. You've got to scare the crap out of these kids the FIRST time it happens. Coddle them and they'll keep doing it. Every parent knows you have to stop bad behavior as soon as it starts.

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Reading is Fundamental.

I agree with the police 100%.

But I think while they're in the holding cell they should be forced to watch a documentary on what really happens in prison-including the gang rape and physical abuse. If they're old enough to commit crimes, they're old enough to see what will happen to them if they continue down that path.

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Actually, I agree with this. I think EVERY ONE who gets arrested should have to watch that type of documentary.

I don't believe for one second that it would not cause a HUGE reduction in repeat offenders.

........15 people (16 with me) agreeing law enforcement did their job and that the parents did not. The parents didn't do their job prior to this little stint, nor in their reaction afterward.

So how is it that so many people play the blame game? How is that our society deems so many things appropriate when truly they are not? How is that so many parents go against the teacher / school when little Johnny is in the wrong? This another example of not taking responsibility and putting a twisted spin on things.

dl

I agree 100 percent that these boys were wrong in stealing someone else's personal property and I also agree that there be some sort of punishment for these boys to do, like perhaps made to do some community service, help clean up the street or help feed the poor or visit a animal shelter and help clean the animal cages and care for the pets. Like I said I agree 100 percent they were wrong and some sort of punishment has to come of this or else how will they learn. However Anna I personally disagree with you and what you said should be told to these boys what will happen to them in they decide to continue and go to prison, sorry but I sincerely and seriously disagree with those words you choose . I also has a parent would be dearly upset if my 7 or 9 year old young child was told those graphic words that seems way to harsh for a child that young. I believe that if would be good for a police officer to speak to the children in a firm manner and speak of prison as not being a nice place and perhaps use other choice words but not those sorry I disagreem again your view , my personal view. Peace. Catherine

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in memory of my beloved beautiful brother Sonny who is now an angel in heaven

The boys ought to be thankful school wasn't in session. This past school year there was a boy at DS's jr high that sucker punched another boy in P.E. After all reports were filed, the boy was picked up, cuffed and hauled out of school. Of course, this could have been done before or after school. However, during school is much more effective to the students.

I agree that the officers did exactly what they should have...
Our middle and high schools have SROs (School Resource Officers). I happen to know the one that will be at the middle school our oldest DS wil be going to.
I told DS that if Sgt. XXXX had to contact me because DS had behaved badly he better HOPE that Sgt. XXX arrested him---cause he wouldn't want to be living in the house w/ me!
Kids are kids, and do stupid things. Sometimes, the stupid things require gentle redirection and teaching. Sometimes, the stupid things require tough redirection and tough teaching....

(and I know that should Sgt. XXX have to call me, it will be a significant issue. Sgt. XXX is very good and very fair and much loved by the kids.)

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Beer is good, and people are crazy"

Book um, Danno.

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I'm the kind of woman when my feet hit the floor in each morning, the devil says "Oh crap, she's up."

I agree with the police on this one too. Hope it scared them, but after seeing them interviewed with their 'mommies' this morning, I doubt it.

This was on Fox News. They asked one of the boys if he had stolen a bike, etc. from the neighbor's yard and the boy said "NO". The interviewer asked again, 'so you say you didn't take anything from the neighbor's yard?" Then the mom, who was standing up behind him, bent down and said in his ear (which we could hear), 'now tell the truth," and then the boy said, "yes."

Did they learn their lesson --- after seeing that interview, I doubt it.

Oh, and the mothers are talking about suing. Geezzzz......

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"GO HOKIES!"

Go police!! I would say the same thing if it was my own kid. A neighbor once called me saying my kid was setting off firecracker in the wooded area by our subdivision and she said she was going to call the police on them (several boys) and I said "ok". Dumbfounded her! They only did a couple and quit and he got yelled at by me. My opinion is if you are doing something wrong and you get caught it's your own fault, no matter the age.

I feel the same way. ~Lisa