USA - Police arrest 2 fifth-graders on drug charges

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Police arrest 2 fifth-graders on drug charges

Indianapolis - Police have made a drug bust involving two grade school students. One is ten and the other is 11 years old. They arrested two fifth graders for dealing marijuana in between classes at an Indianapolis school.

The drug deal happened in Warren Township at Brookview Elementary. If it hadn't been for one of their classmates, the students may have gotten away with it.

A student at Brookview Elementary blew the whistle on a drug deal at school. He says his two classmates sold and bought marijuana to each other.

Parents who live near the school are shocked.

"You wonder where these kids get this nowadays. You look at parents, you look towards older siblings," said James Wood, parent.

"I wonder where they get it at and I would say there are better things to be doing," said Elizabeth Boston, parent.

The drug deal happened around 10:00 am Tuesday. The student witness watched as the 10- and 11-year-old fifth graders exchanged cash for a green leafy substance. Officers confiscated 1.88 grams of marijuana which tested positive.

Other parents are curious what made them believe they could deal drugs at school.

"Ten- and 11-year-old kids want to be like people they see on TV. It's got something to do with the money, the bling," said Cedric Burnett.

School police brought both the students to juvenile detention. Their principal, Timothy Hanson, says both boys admitted to the drug deal. Now both fifth graders are charged with dealing in marijuana and possession of marijuana, both felonies.

"Why does your child have drugs? That's crazy," said Boston.

"School is supposed to be someplace safe to learn and grow up and not have to deal with the drugs and guns," said Wood.

The principal suspended both students from school as they continue to investigate the incident. Part of the investigation will consider where the fifth grader who was selling the drugs got it from in the first place.

Principal Timothy Hanson notified parents using their emergency notification system. The 10- and 11-year-old could get kicked out of school for the rest of the school year.

April 23, 2009 07:15 AM
Steve Jefferson/Eyewitness News

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