Police: 16 juveniles arrested after rash of Sioux Falls shootings

Sixteen Sioux Falls youths are facing charges following a rash of shootings on the city's east side.

Since July 8, there have been 13 confirmed shootings in Sioux Falls, many of which involved juveniles.

Originally, the Sioux Falls Police Department declined to share the total number of juveniles arrested as a result of the recent shootings, citing guidance from a Minnehaha County judge.  

But Tuesday, they changed their stance.

More:So many Sioux Falls teens have been arrested, the juvenile detention center is nearly full

"We are permitted to give general numbers as long as we are not giving specific information or specific charges," Sioux Falls Police public information officer Sam Clemens said in an email. "There were 16 juveniles arrested over the last month for various charges. These 16 are all associated with the recent shootings on the east side of Sioux Falls." 

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The surge in gun violence prompted discussion among public officials last week as the Minnehaha County Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) is dealing with heavier than normal occupancy rates. 

With a capacity of 40 beds, the juvenile holding center reached 37 inmates last month, the highest level in years. The daily average for July of 25.6 inmates is also up from June and May when the average inmate population was about 20 and 16 kids, respectively.

JDC director Jamie Gravett said the serious nature of the charges that come with shooting incidents prevents the juvenile justice system from finding alternatives to incarceration for the kids involved.