OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) -- — A rash of armed robberies leaves victims scared for their lives, and the police union wondering why these juveniles were allowed to repeat serious crimes.
Police say on October 27 two teens victimized a Bucky's, Kum and Go, Family Dollar, and Tobacco Road Discounts all held up at gunpoint. In two of them the suspects fired a gun.
18-year-old Jaleo McGuire, who was 17 at the time, and 16-year-old Herbert Coleman Jr. are arrested for the 4 armed robberies. Both are being charged as adults.
A search warrant indicates McGuire was already on probation wearing an ankle monitor.
Omaha Police Officers Association President Anthony Conner says officers are frustrated by some juvenile offenders who laugh when they're caught because they won't stay in detention for long.
"You recognize right away it's the same cycle, it's the same problem over and over again, you're arresting the same kid. He's on an ankle monitor for a reason because he's already done something pretty serious to be on an ankle monitor," Conner explained.
Conner says Douglas County Commissioners need to rethink the Juvenile Justice Center which would cut the number of beds. He says officers and parents of kids who have been in the system need to be part of the reform discussion to make a change.
