GILBERT, Ariz. — A Valley father of three young kids is being held at a Mexican federal prison after his family said he forgot he had a firearm in his truck while crossing the border.
Drew Harrison, along with his wife and sons, were on their way to Rocky Point, Mexico, for their vacation, Drew's father Antonio Harrison told 12News.
“That's when the nightmare started,” Antonio Harrison said.
While at the United States-Mexico border, Antonio Harrison said his son's car was randomly chosen for inspection.
As officers conducted their search, they located a gun inside the truck, a firearm Drew Harrison said he forgot was there.
“They took Drew and his wife, and they just put him in custody immediately," Antonio Harrison said.
The three kids were released to their grandparents who were in the car behind Drew when he was detained. Once Drew Harrison told officials the gun belonged to him, his parents said Drew's wife was released from custody.
“The last time I saw my son was Mother's Day,” Shirlene Harrison said. “These people got my baby, this is my only son.”
According to Shirlene Harrison, Drew Harrison was arrested back in May and has remained behind bars ever since.
Antonio Harrison said he has visited his son every month, driving down to Mexico where Drew Harrison is being held.
“He's been a man about and said, 'Dad, I'll do whatever I have to do, you know, it's my fault,'” Antonio Harrison said.
While Antonio Harrison said Drew Harrison has owned up to the mistake, it could land him behind bars for years. Saying initially, Drew Harrison was looking at a 15-year sentence, which led to a fight his family is now taking on to reduce that sentence as much as possible.
“My son made a mistake. He owned up to it,” Antonio Harrison said. "The crime and the punishment don't equal each other."
If you would like to learn more about the GoFundMe account set up by the family of Drew Harrison click here.
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