AR-15-style rifle stolen from HSCO vehicle found with drugs in car driven by Tampa teen: TPD
Photo Courtesy: Tampa Police Department
TAMPA, Fla. - A Tampa teenager is facing a slew of charges after police say they found a stolen gun and drugs inside a vehicle he had been driving without a license.
According to the Tampa Police Department, officers stopped the teen in the 8400 block of N. Mulberry Street because he was operating a maroon Kia Optima, and they knew he didn’t have a valid driver’s license. Police say the 17-year-old got out of the car and began walking away, ignoring the officer’s commands to stop.
According to TPD, after the teen was taken into custody, officers found 14. 8 grams of marijuana in his pocket.
Officers say they searched the car because there was a strong scent of marijuana coming from it. That where police say they found a Daniels Defense AR-15-style rifle, 357.1 grams of marijuana, plastic baggies, a digital scale and 58 amphetamine/dextroamphetamine pills that were in an orange plastic bottle.
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According to TPD, the gun that was found in the car had been previously reported as stolen from an HCSO agency vehicle.
"This arrest is the result of outstanding police work done by those committed to keeping our community safe," said Police Chief Lee Bercaw. "It should also serve as a clear reminder of the consequences that teens will face when they are in possession of guns and drugs. We will continue to do everything in our ongoing efforts to keep guns out of the hands of those who should not have them."
The teen has been charged with felon in possession of a firearm (juvenile conviction), minor in possession of a firearm, possession of a short-barreled rifle, possession of drug without prescription, possession of cannabis with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver (357g), possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer without violence, and no valid driver’s license.