This incident occurred on March 14th, 2023 in Sarasota, Florida.
12-Year-Old Arrested in Sarasota After Resisting Officers During Warrant Execution
Sarasota, FL – A 12-year-old juvenile was arrested on March 14, 2023, after resisting officers attempting to detain him on an outstanding warrant. According to a Sarasota Police Department report (Case No. 2023-00012252), officers responded to a call at 1572 31st Street after the child’s guardian reported his return home following a missing person report.
Background of the Case
According to the police report, the juvenile had an active warrant for Failure to Appear on multiple charges, including:
- Burglary of an Unoccupied Vehicle
- Motor Vehicle Theft
- Possession of Burglary Tools
Incident Details
The police report states that upon arrival, officers found the juvenile on the front porch. When Officer Sullivan attempted to detain him, he pulled away and tried to flee. Officer Gregorio then “grabbed [him] around the waist in an attempt to control him,” but he “continued to pull away,” prompting the officer to conduct a takedown.
According to the report, even after being handcuffed, the juvenile “dropped his weight and refused to walk.” Officers carried him to the patrol vehicle, and during this process, the juvenile “kicked Officer Garcia in the waist area three times” while resisting. The report further states that once inside the vehicle, the juvenile “began aggressively kicking the window and door frame repeatedly.”
Arrest and Transport
Per the report, the juvenile was transported to the Sarasota County Juvenile Assessment Center (J.A.C.), and his guardian was notified of the arrest. Officers noted that “no injuries were observed” and that the juvenile “reported to J.A.C. intake staff he was uninjured.” The entire incident was recorded on police body-worn cameras.
Charges
According to the Sarasota Police Department, the juvenile was charged with:
- Resisting an Officer with Violence and Simple Assault (F.S.S. 843.01)
The Rise in Juvenile Crime in Sarasota
While incidents like this often go unnoticed beyond police reports, Sarasota has seen a troubling increase in juvenile crime that has gone largely unreported due to a lack of local investigative journalism. Law enforcement has documented a steady rise in juveniles involved in gun-related offenses, theft, auto burglaries, and violent crimes, many of which have not been widely covered in the media.
Recent police reports indicate that more minors are being apprehended for firearm possession, with some cases involving stolen weapons. Additionally, there has been a noticeable increase in vehicle thefts and home burglaries linked to juveniles. Officers and community leaders have expressed concerns about the growing trend and the lack of intervention programs to address the root causes of this surge in youth crime.
Local officials emphasize the need for stronger youth engagement programs, parental involvement, and community-driven initiatives to deter juveniles from turning to criminal activities. Without more public awareness and reporting, these crimes risk being overlooked, leaving the community unaware of the ongoing issue.
Community Impact
The police report notes that a crowd gathered during the arrest, but officers worked to de-escalate the situation. This case highlights law enforcement challenges in handling juvenile offenders and underscores the importance of early intervention programs and improved local reporting to address the rising trend of youth crime in Sarasota.
