Teen found with stolen gun during Juneteenth event in Sarasota: police

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A 15-year-old boy was arrested last week at a Juneteenth event in Sarasota after officers discovered he was carrying a gun, according to a police department news release of Sarasota.

He was accused of fleeing police when they approached a group of teenagers, some of whom were apparently wearing ski masks, during the June 22 event near the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Dixie Avenue.

A police officer used a stun gun to arrest him. They found a loaded .40-caliber gun in his underwear, which police said had been stolen from a locked vehicle in Sarasota County three years ago.

The 15-year-old was charged with resisting without violence, possession of a firearm by a delinquent, carrying a concealed firearm, possession of a firearm by a minor (second offense) and violation of probation.

“Our officers potentially avoided 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,” Chief Rex Troche said in a statement. “The presence of armed children is unacceptable, and our officers will work tirelessly to recover firearms from children and keep our city safe.”

Anyone with information about stolen firearms, minors in possession of weapons or other crimes is asked to call the Sarasota Police non-emergency line at 941-316-1199 or report CrimeStoppers anonymously at 941-366-TIPS, or online at the Sarasota Crime Stoppers website. Information leading to an arrest is eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.