New Jersey youths charged with smashing mail boxes

While no New Jersey parent wants it to happen, many parents often find themselves dealing with children who have gotten into some form of trouble. Often, this is due to the child simply being that, a child. Children’s brains are still developing and as such they can be prone to making poor decisions on occasion. This could very well be the case for several juveniles in Kinnelon who have been charged with a juvenile crime.

Around 5:30 p.m. on the evening of April 10, police received a report that occupants of a black SUV were taking a baseball bat to a number of mailboxes. While authorities were out looking for the vehicle, another call came in regarding the same action on Fayson Lakes Road. One patrolman purportedly spotted a vehicle said to match the description of the offending vehicle on Boonton Avenue and pulled the vehicle over. Upon stopping the vehicle, the officer says he was able to identify a baseball bat with paint transfer inside the SUV

The patrol officer questioned the driver and his two juvenile passengers and concluded they were responsible. A fourth individual was also reportedly part of the incident, though he had apparently already been dropped off at home. During the investigation, authorities say they seized a glass pipe with marijuana inside the vehicle. The driver and one of his passengers were charged with criminal mischief, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana, while the other two juveniles were charged with criminal mischief only. The 18-year-old driver was released from police custody pending a court date and the other three, all juveniles, were released to their parents.

As the juveniles seek an equitable resolution to the crime allegations brought forth, they would do well to begin preparing a defense. Based upon the evidence and the allegations brought fourth, these children could be the victim of youthful indiscretion. However, this by no means indicates that they cannot go on to live law-abiding lives. Each person accused will necessarily focus on the allegations with an aim to achieving a successful result.

Source: Daily Record, “Four charged in Kinnelon with taking baseball bat to mailboxes,” April 18, 2012