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Thursday, April 25, 2024

Ocala police officer recovers stolen gun from 17-year-old during traffic stop

Two teenagers were taken into custody after a stolen gun was found during a traffic stop in southwest Ocala.

According to an Ocala Police Department Facebook posting on Tuesday, an OPD officer spotted a car driving at night with its headlights off and attempted to make a traffic stop.

Ocala police officer recovers stolen gun during traffic stop 1
An Ocala Police Department officer pursued the car on SW 27th Avenue toward Paddock Mall

The 17-year-old driver refused to stop and drove through multiple shopping areas, including Walmart and Paddock Mall.

When the driver approached a red light at SW 27th Avenue and SW 42nd Street, the car was blocked by multiple vehicles.

Ocala police officer recovers stolen gun during traffic stop 2
The car was blocked by other vehicles at the intersection of SW 27th Avenue and SW 42nd Street

The officer apprehended the driver while an OPD detective ordered the 17-year-old passenger out of the car.

According to OPD, the driver was in possession of a stolen gun and marijuana, and the driver is facing multiple felony charges.

Ocala police officer recovers stolen gun during traffic stop
This stolen gun was found in the driver’s possession

The passenger was also carrying a gun and is facing a misdemeanor charge for unlawful possession of a weapon.

Since the driver and passenger are both minors, their names have not been released.