More questions are being asked about the alleged crime spree at least two teens were believed to have been involved in over the weekend.

FOX45 News has learned responding officers were calling for air support, but BPD’s helicopter Foxtrot was not available.

Just yesterday, sources confirmed a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old were shot during an attempted armed robbery and were believed to have been connected to several other crimes that happened within that same hour.

Over the police scanner, officers can be heard inquiring about Foxtrot to assist in responding to reports of an attempted armed robbery, armed robbery, and armed carjacking.

Officer: “Do we think this is the group that’s been doing?”

Officer: “Yeah on the phone with the task force now.”

Officer: “Fox up yet?”

Dispatch: “Negative. I’ve sent multiple requests, including from the county.

“BPD’s aviation unit aka Foxtrot is a key component to the crime-fighting effort. Not only is it a force multiplier that replaces 10-15 officers on the street, if not more. It also is critical because BPD has a restricted pursuit policy. Officers are really discouraged from engaging in pursuits and in some cases are prohibited,” said Jason Johnson, law enforcement expert.

Johnson, who is a former deputy commissioner with BPD, says had Foxtrot been up and actively pursuing the suspects officers may have been able to stop the suspects sooner.

The alleged crime spree ended with the two teens being shot.

“This exposes how necessary it really is,” said Johnson.

FOX45 News asked BPD why Foxtrot was grounded at that time.

A spokesperson wrote,

“Foxtrot has set hours of operations and those hours fluctuate during high crime times. On Saturday at 8:30 p.m., Foxtrot had not started their shift yet. This was not due to staffing, funding or mechanical issues.”

BPD has not yet said what charges, if any, the two teens are facing and if anyone else was taken into custody.