Arrests made in shooting of boy in drug deal in Las Cruces

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Police have made arrests in the Feb. 5 shooting of a 14-year-old boy during a marijuana deal in Las Cruces. Authorities say two 17-year-old boys and a 21-year-old man had arranged to buy marijuana from the boy and were planning to steal drugs from him. Police say one of the 17-year-olds pulled out a handgun during the deal, said he was going to steal marijuana and fired a round into the 14-year-old's forearm. All three suspects fled the scene. The 14-year-old's injuries weren't life-threatening. The two 17-year-old boys and 21-year-old man were charged with armed robbery. The 17-year-old boy who shot the boy also was charged with aggravated battery that caused great bodily harm. Investigators say a 17-year-old girl was arrested on an evidence-tampering charge for disposing the gun.