Armed teen brought gun to June 16 event: Sarasota police

A 15-year-old boy faces charges after bringing a gun to the June 19 event in Sarasota, police said.

June 28, 2024, 10:02 a.m. EDT

SARASOTA, FL — An armed teenager is facing charges after bringing a firearm to a Juneteenth event on Saturday, according to a news release from the Sarasota Police Department.

The 15-year-old boy was arrested near the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Dixie Avenue.

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Two officers working with the department's drone unit saw a group of teenagers, some wearing ski masks on their heads, at the event.

They noticed that the arrested teenager exhibited “behavioral traits indicative of an armed individual” and stopped and searched him, police said.

When one of the teenagers in the group tried to run away, the officers tasered him, which arrested him.

The 15-year-old was taken into custody and a loaded and chambered .40-caliber gun was found in his underwear, police said. A follow-up investigation revealed the gun was stolen from a locked vehicle in Sarasota County in 2021.

The teen was charged with resisting without violence, possession of a firearm by a delinquent, carrying a concealed firearm, possession of a firearm by a minor and violation of probation.

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