12-year-old grabs mom’s AR-15 and runs into the streets to assist armed older brother in dispute: Cops

Authorities in Pennsylvania have arrested a preteen boy accused of brandishing a loaded AR-15 semiautomatic rifle in public.

The young suspect’s older brother was also arrested at the scene on suspicion of pulling out another firearm during an apparent altercation between the brothers and another boy, as reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

According to a tweet from the Philadelphia Police Department, an officer observe the two armed individuals “walking our streets” with the guns Saturday evening.

The agency shared an image of the arresting officer toting the rifle and Glock pistol he allegedly retrieved from the brothers.

“Saturday night, 15th District Officer Wrzesinski arrested two individuals for walking our streets with two loaded weapons,” the police department wrote.

“The AR-15 was being held by a 12 (yes, TWELVE) year old, and the Glock was in the hands of an 18-year-old.”

In a statement provided by Philadelphia Police Lt. Dennis Rosenbaum, the older suspect was involved in a dispute and instructed his younger brother to “go get my gun.” The 12-year-old boy allegedly returned with his mother’s loaded rifle.

For her part, the boys’ mother said she kept her guns in a safe inside the home. She said she was extremely upset about her sons’ behavior.

Both brothers are expected to face charges including making a terrorist threat and gun-related counts, though the younger suspect will stand trial in the juvenile justice system.

Police ended the social media crime brief with a message directed toward gun owners with children.

“Parents: make sure your weapons are secured!” the agency wrote.

[Featured image: Philadelphia Police Department]