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A firearm investigation at Morris Knolls High School leads to an arrest and concerns about juvenile access to firearms.
MORRIS COUNTY, NJ – A shocking incident at Morris Knolls High School in March has now resulted in an arrest, highlighting the troubling intersection of firearms, juveniles, and school safety.
On May 17, authorities arrested 21-year-old Dwayne E. Allen of Palmyra, New Jersey, following an investigation into a firearm incident at Morris Knolls High School back on March 23, 2023. Detectives found that Allen allegedly sold a firearm to a juvenile in Morris County during the same month.
According to Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Allen faces several charges, including the Unlawful Sale of a Firearm to a Juvenile and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, both second-degree offenses. Additionally, Allen has been charged with the Transport of a Firearm and Unlawful Possession and Sale of a High-Capacity Magazine, all fourth-degree offenses. Allen has been detained in the Morris County Correctional Facility.
Though Allen has no known connection with Morris Knolls High School, this incident raises concerning questions about how a juvenile obtained a firearm, a narrative that speaks to broader issues of gun control, regulation, and the safety of our educational institutions.
This case draws attention to the ongoing debate surrounding firearm regulation and school safety. In New Jersey, selling a firearm to a juvenile is a significant crime, reflecting the state's commitment to keeping firearms out of the hands of underage individuals. However, this incident underscores that existing laws may not be enough to prevent such transactions.
Furthermore, the fact that a high-capacity magazine was involved elevates the potential risk associated with this incident. High-capacity magazines have been a central topic of gun control discussions due to their use in mass shootings, and their sale and possession are heavily regulated in New Jersey.
While it's essential to remember that Allen is presumed innocent until proven guilty, his arrest shines a spotlight on the pressing issue of firearms ending up in the wrong hands, especially within school contexts. It further emphasizes the importance of vigilance and multi-agency cooperation in upholding public safety.
Prosecutor Robert Carroll commends the array of law enforcement and regulatory bodies involved in the arrest, including the Denville and Palmyra Police Departments, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police T.E.A.M.S. Central Unit, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, NJ Office of Homeland Security, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Juvenile and Homeland Security Units.
As this case progresses, it will undoubtedly serve as a focal point for discussions surrounding juvenile access to firearms and the measures necessary to ensure school safety. It also underscores the critical importance of cooperative and proactive law enforcement efforts to keep our community, and particularly our children, safe.
