𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐭𝐚 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐣𝐮𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭

On Saturday, June 22, 2024, Sarasota Police officers successfully apprehended an armed juvenile during a holiday event near the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Dixie Avenue.

Two Sarasota Police officers, in coordination with the Sarasota Police Drone Unit, observed a group of teenagers within the Juneteenth event footprint, some of whom had ski masks on top of their heads. Noticing the behavioral traits indicative of an armed individual, the officers conducted a Terry stop. Despite commands, one juvenile attempted to flee. The officers deployed a Taser, which was effective in subduing the suspect.

The juvenile, identified as a 15-year-old male, was taken into custody. A loaded and chambered .40 caliber firearm was recovered from the suspect’s underwear. A follow-up investigation revealed the firearm was stolen out of a locked vehicle in Sarasota County in 2021.

“Our officers potentially prevented a tragic incident and saved lives by their swift and decisive actions. Ensuring the safety of our community, especially during significant celebrations like Juneteenth, remains our top priority,” said Chief Rex Troche. “The presence of kids with guns is unacceptable, and our officers will work tirelessly to recover firearms from children and keep our city safe.”

The suspect is currently facing the following charges:

Resisting without violence

Possession of a firearm by a felony delinquent

Carrying a concealed firearm

Possession of a firearm by a minor (second offense)

Violation of probation

The Sarasota Police Department encourages anyone with information about stolen firearms, juveniles in possession of weapons, or other crimes to call our non-emergency line at 941-316-1199 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Sarasota at 941-366-TIPS or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com. Tips that lead to an arrest are eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

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