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Friday, March 29, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Tenn. Police Chief Sorry for Arrest of Kids

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (CN) — The chief of police in a Middle Tennessee city apologized for the arrests of 10 children at an elementary school stemming from an apparent bullying incident.

The children, ranging in age from 6 to 11, were arrested April 15 at Hobgood Elementary School in Murfreesboro, Tenn., according to a Daily News Journal report.

The Murfreesboro newspaper reported that they were charged with criminal responsibility for conduct of another for a fight that was filmed and posted online.

The Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD) said in an April 19 statement that state law prevents it from discussing specifics of juvenile arrests.

However, MPD said it will conduct an internal "after-action" review to look at current procedures and come up with recommendations.

MPD Chief Karl Durr said last week that his department "will identify any issue and act accordingly."

"Situations involving juvenile offenders and victims are some of the most difficult and sensitive situations that officers must handle. Our police officers are committed to serving the community, preventing crime, and helping the victims of crime," Durr said in a statement. "We will reinforce the practices that have worked well and correct any deficiencies or problems that become known."

Durr then apologized for the incident in an interview published Sunday by the Tennessean.

"I am so saddened, and I'm so sorry this incident happened, because I truly think it could have been avoided," he told the Nashville newspaper.

According to the Tennessean report, the case is currently in the Rutherford County Juvenile Court and there are no plans to dismiss the charges.

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