HIGH POINT, N.C. — Four teens were arrested after a large fight led to the discovery of guns and drugs in High Point.
The Street Crimes Unit was called to Gordon Street Park on Nov. 4, about a large fight. Members of the unit found eight to 10 kids who ran. All of them were later caught, officials said.
During the investigation, two handguns and a felony amount of marijuana were found, investigators said. Four boys, two 14 years old and two 15 years old, will be charged as juveniles on various charges, including affray, gun and drug offenses.
Two of the boys, ages 14 and 15 years old, were charged with weapons violations. Investigators said they had 9mm handguns.
"That's beyond what I would just say your normal neighborhood disruption, normal neighborhood fight. That is a violent crime in action. We're lucky we didn't have a homicide that came out of this, quite frankly. This is becoming a regular, almost every day or every other day event for our city," said High Point Police Chief Travis Stroud.
Secured custody orders for the teens charged with the weapons violations were not granted by the Guilford County Juvenile Court System. The boys were released to their parents.
Police say there are so many underutilized resources in High Point aimed to pull teens away from violence.
The Macedonia Family Resource Center and the Burns Hill Neighborhood Association are just two resources out of many.
"The leaders of these programs are spending a lot of time and effort because they care. They care about youth. They care about our community here in High Point and they care about kids," said High Point Police Assistant Chief Petula Sellars.
High Point police say officers have arrested 148 teenagers so far this year including 19 just last month.
Anyone with information about violent crime or illegal activity is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of High Point at 336-889-4000 or Download the P3 mobile app for IOS or Android.