8-Year-Old Charged In Armed Robbery

WEST PALM BEACH, FL — An 8-year-old boy whose mother thought he was outside playing with friends reportedly had other plans in mind Wednesday night.

The child is accused of going into his mother’s purse and taking out her 9mm handgun. Once armed, the boy reportedly donned a helmet and went to the King Foods and Meat Bazaar in West Palm Beach where he’s accused of holding up a cashier at gunpoint.

The child is seen on store surveillance video released to local media walking into the establishment while wearing a BMX-type helmet.

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One of the store’s employees managed to disarm the child, whose face was hidden from cameras. After the situation was brought under control, the West Palm Beach Police Department was called in.

The boy’s mother told several news stations she realized something was wrong shortly after her son left home that evening. It seems she picked up her purse, realized it was unusually light and found the gun missing.

The child, who is not being identified because of his age, was officially charged with attempted armed robbery with a firearm and aggravated assault on Friday, Detective Lori Colombino told Patch. He was booked into the juvenile assessment center after the charges were filed.

The child’s mother told several media outlets she wishes she had kept the gun locked up. It is unclear if any charges are being considered for the mother.

No further details are available at this time.