Police: Florida man threatens youths with air rifle, claims he 'runs street'

A 53-year-old Florida man wielded an air rifle Thursday while threatening an 11-year-old and a 14-year-old he claims were rummaging through trash he left at the curb, police said.

James Joyce allegedly told the youths, "I run this street, not the cops. Go ahead, call the cops, this is my street and I will protect it.

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The youths ran home and told their parents, who told police they saw Joyce with the gun yelling: "Keep your kids inside, go ahead and call the cops," according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

When  deputies arrived, Joyce was uncooperative, FLKeysNews.com reported. They took him into custody after allegedly finding an air rifle inside his house.

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Joyce was charged with aggravated assault and resisting a law enforcement officer. He was released Saturday morning after spending the night in jail.

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