16-year-old : Teen Arrested for Breaking into Bunnell Gun Shop

A 16-year-old suspect was apprehended by authorities in Flagler County, Florida, on Wednesday after security cameras captured him breaking into a local gun shop and making off with a cache of firearms, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office reported.

According to the sheriff’s office, the incident came to light on March 7 at approximately 8:11 a.m. when employees of Pioneer Guns & Ammo received a distress call from a neighbouring business alerting them to a burglary at their establishment.

Surveillance footage revealed the suspect gaining entry by shattering a glass door and maneuvering through security bars to access the interior of the store. Once inside, the perpetrator proceeded to forcibly open a display case and pilfer numerous handguns and long guns.

Law enforcement officers were able to pinpoint a suspect vehicle through the use of Real Time Crime Center Technology and also recovered blood evidence at the scene, believed to be from the suspect sustaining an injury during the break-in.

After tracking down the suspect, deputies conducted a follow-up interview with the teenager’s mother on April 23. The mother disclosed that she had discovered a bag containing stolen firearms buried on their property, which she promptly handed over to the authorities.

The recovered bag contained 34 out of the 37 stolen firearms, all of which were confirmed to belong to Pioneer Guns & Ammo. The total value of the stolen weaponry was estimated at $25,859.63, as per the FCSO.

Investigators also uncovered damning text messages on the suspect’s mobile phone, further implicating him in the crime. Sheriff Rick Staly commended the collaborative efforts of the investigative teams in swiftly removing these weapons from circulation before they could be used in violent acts.

The 16-year-old suspect was taken into custody on charges of burglary while armed with a firearm and grand theft exceeding $20,000 with damages surpassing $1,000. Due to his status as a minor, the teenager’s identity will not be disclosed.

Following his arrest, the suspect was transferred to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility for processing before being remanded to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, where he is presently detained.

Sheriff Staly expressed his hope that the State Attorney would pursue adult charges against the juvenile offender, emphasising the severity and potential danger of his actions. “This individual has learnt a harsh lesson about the consequences of his criminal behaviour,” Staly remarked.