SAN CARLOS — A 20-year-old man is in custody after a firearm was discharged multiple times on the San Carlos Apache Reservation.
The incident occurred Aug. 12, in the New Moonbase community. Multiple witnesses reported hear 15 to 20 gunshots and seeing muzzle flashes.
San Carlos Apache Police tracked down the suspect, who was found holding a weapon. He dropped the firearm and was taken into custody without incident.
No injuries were reported.
It’s the first firearms-related arrest announced following the Tribal Council’s passage last month of the Youth Weapons Safety and Community Protection Act.
The act amends the tribe’s criminal code by prohibiting those under 21 from possessing and publicly carrying a weapon, included firearms, knives and other items that can be used to cause grave bodily harm.
The code change is a result of a number of weapons-related deaths on the reservation since March, with many committed by those under the age of 21.
