Armed Teen Brought Gun To Juneteenth Event: Sarasota Police

SARASOTA, FL — An armed teenager faces charges after bringing a gun to a Juneteenth event on Saturday, according to a Sarasota Police Department news release.

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

Two officers working with the department’s Drone Unit saw a group of teenagers, some wearing ski masks on top of their heads, at the event.

They noticed the teen who was arrested showed “the behavioral traits indicative of an armed individual,” and stopped and frisked him, police said.

When one of the teens in the group tried to run away, officers tasered him, which stopped 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 felony 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 by their swift and decisive actions. Ensuring the safety of our community, especially during significant celebrations like Juneteenth, remains our top priority,” Chief Rex Troche said. “The presence of kids with guns is unacceptable, and our officers will work tirelessly to recover firearms from children and keep our city safe."