TULSA, Okla. — Police said a growing concern in Tulsa is juvenile violence. FOX23 requested reports from Jan. 1, 2022 to June 15, 2022 of any criminals under the age of 18-years-old.

According to the reports, 467 arrests of people under the age of 18. That’s nearly three arrests per day.

Police explained 467 arrests doesn’t necessarily mean 467 children were arrested. One child could be arrested multiple times.

Tulsa Police Captain Richard Meulenberg said many of these crimes children and teenagers are committing are serious.

“People committing more heinous criminal activity are becoming younger and younger,” Meulenberg said.

He continued, “We’re not talking about sneaking into movies or staying out past curfew. We’re talking about some pretty serious crimes here: shooting, robberies and burglaries.”

Police said the numbers are shocking. According to reports, Tulsa police made:

• 54 arrests for assault and battery
• 52 arrests for drug related crimes
• 50 for gun related crimes
• 13 for armed robberies
• 12 for shooting with intent to kill (SWIK)
• 2 for murder
• 1 for attempted murder

These crimes are affecting real people. Llamar Norman Jr. lost his son, Llamar Norman III, back in December 2021. Police said another teen shot and killed him at the Savannah Landing Apartments near 61st and Peoria.

Norman Jr. told FOX23 his son was at the wrong place at the wrong time, and if he could speak to his child now, he’d tell him he’s not mad he was there.

“I’d tell him I love him, and I’m proud of him,” Norman Jr. said. “I’m not mad at him. I’d tell him I’m sorry. I’d tell him I feel him everyday, and that you might not physically be here, but I know you’re still here.”

Llamar III was only 13-years-old when he was shot to death. Police said the person who killed him was also 13-years-old.

His father still thinks about what was running through his son’s mind when he died.

“In the moment, I just know he was like, ‘Damn, Daddy. I messed up,’” he told FOX23.

The arrest reports FOX23 obtained from Tulsa Police indicated the average age of arrests made involving a person under 18-years-old is only 15 and a half.

“A lot of people shooting are children, but they won’t see the consequences until they actually hit somebody,” Meulenberg said.

Llamar Jr. still carries a lot of guilt over his son’s death. He said he’s spent many sleepless nights thinking about praying about his son. He wants all parents out there to be extremely aware of the things and people influencing your children.

“One of the biggest things is, watch who your kids’ friends are,” he said. “I thought I was doing a decent job, but at any second, your child can be taken away from you.”

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