CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - Getting guns out of the hands of criminals is always a priority for New Madrid County Sheriff, Joey Higgerson.

But lately, Higgerson says he’s noticed a concerning trend. “Probably the most alarming thing is that a lot of what we’re seeing now is younger and younger. I know there have been shootings recently in several parts of southeast Missouri that have kids well under 16...involved in the shootings...both as suspects and the victims.”

October 8th, Sheriff Higgerson says deputies stopped a car in Lilbourn. Four people were in the vehicle, two of them teenagers

The sheriff says deputies found seven handguns in the vehicle. Two of the guns had been reported stolen.

Michele Atchley is the chief juvenile officer for New Madrid County. “We have a low toleranc

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