3 teens, parent arrested after video shows teens ‘recklessly’ firing several shots into the air, police say

TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD/Gray News) – Three 14-year-olds and an adult were arrested after the teens were seen recklessly shooting guns into the air on New Year’s Day, according to police.

According to court documents, the four individuals were arrested after videos of the shooting were found on one of the teens’ phones during a separate investigation.

The videos show the teens “recklessly and indiscriminately” firing guns in front of Lizette Ayala’s home on New Year’s Day, according to Tucson police.

Four people were arrested after teens were seen recklessly shooting guns into the air on New Year’s Day, according to police. (Source: KOLD)

Tucson police said firing guns into the air is “irresponsible and deadly.”

“Adults and parents of juveniles engaged in this type of activity will also be held accountable. Ending the cycle of violence should start in the home,” the department said in a statement.

Ayala, the mother of one of the teens, was allegedly seen in the videos and admitted to being there. She faces one charge of child abuse.

The 14-year-olds are facing several firearm-related crimes.

Tucson police said one of the teens was already in custody for a murder that happened a few days after the video was taken. Another teen suspect was already a prohibited possessor, according to the department.

A neighbor recalled the New Year’s Day incident.

Four people were arrested after teens were seen recklessly shooting guns into the air on New Year’s Day, according to police. (Source: KOLD)

“I actually got down because I was scared,” he said. “Because they could come through the window. They could come through the back, and they could just hit you.”

Tucson police said it received several calls from neighbors after they heard gunshots on Jan. 1, but they could not locate the scene or suspects.

The neighbor watched the videos released by Tucson police.

“Now I’ve seen the video, and it’s coming out towards this way. They’re not even pointing up,” he said. “I’m glad someone got in trouble for it because that was very dangerous.”

Four people were arrested after teens were seen recklessly shooting guns into the air on New Year’s Day, according to police. (Source: KOLD)

Tucson police said it had to release the videos to the public.

“We recommend being a parent first, and a friend second,” Tucson Public Information Officer James Horton said. “Be nosy. You need to be involved, and you need to be aware of what your children are doing and who they’re hanging out with.”

The neighbor said he is glad Ayala was charged.

“It is a good thing,” he said. “Someone needs to be in charge of these kids.”

Authorities said more charges could be coming for all four defendants.

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