Post Falls, Idaho: Five Reasons An Arrest Warrant For A 9-Year-Old Gum Thief Seems A Bit Extreme [VIDEO]
Crime is always a hot button issue in society, but the news of a recent arrest warrant issued in Idaho has taken many by surprise.
According to KHQ-TV, a nine-year-old boy from Post Falls, Idaho, has had a warrant issued for his arrest after he stole a package of gum and failed to appear in court twice-something that has reportedly even shocked the town's police chief.
"I was surprised that it had gotten to this level," Post Falls Chief of Police Scott Haug told the TV station, after reporting that he hadn't seen an arrest warrant issued for someone so young in 30 years of law enforcement.
While it wouldn't be the first time a case has captured the national spotlight, here are five reasons why this one in particular seems just a bit extreme.
1. He's Nine-Years-Old
The child in question, whose identity isn't being revealed because he's a minor, is the same age as the average fourth-grader. It seems a bit extreme for someone so young to be arrested in general-especially for a petty crime.
2. His Crime Was A Petty One
Had he been arrested for a severe crime-murder, assault, arson or grand larceny, the crime likely wouldn't be newsworthy. But this child has been arrested and charged because he stole a pack of gum. While a pack could cost upwards of $1.00, grand theft consists of any amount of $1,000 or more in Idaho-making the boy's theft seem pretty small in comparison.
3. Aren't There Worse Criminals To Be Focusing On?
The same TV station which initially reported this story also has several others currently listed on their homepage-which include news about a local shooting, a drugged driver being on the roads, and news about a body that was recovered from a lake. Aren't these crimes considered a bit bigger?
4. He's Being Held At A Juvenile Detention Center
The warrant was actually issued after the boy failed to appear in court to answer to the theft charges twice-because his family couldn't provide him with transportation to the courthouse. He's now in a juvenile detention center waiting to appear before a judge-along with other potentially more dangerous minors who committed other crimes.
5. This seems like a waste of taxpayer dollars
Citizens pay taxes to help keep criminals off the street-and it doesn't seem like many believe this kid was enough of a threat to be locked away.
