Sheriff criticizes Maryland law after shooting at Joppatowne school

Minutes after shots were fired at Joppatowne High School on Friday, Sheriff Jeff Gahler was furious about the limitations of his investigation.

“We have a man here who is being charged as an adult for committing a heinous crime in a school and we are not allowed to talk to him. This is insane,” said Sheriff Gahler.

The Child Interrogation Protection Act, passed by the US Congress two years ago, which prohibits police and prosecutors from questioning minors without the consent of a lawyer, is a violation of US law.

Supporters of the new law say it protects the constitutional rights of juveniles, but law enforcement has long argued that it stands in the way of justice.

“Even if a parent says, 'Yes, you can talk to my son or daughter,' a lawyer says, 'You cannot talk to my client,'” said Baltimore City Attorney Ivan Bates.

“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to hold young people accountable,” said Angela Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County administrator.

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Currently, frustration is particularly prevalent in Harford County, where there are many questions but few answers following Friday's school massacre.

“Our criminal-friendly laws in Maryland do not allow us to speak to this 16-year-old suspect,” said Sheriff Gahler.