On June 21, detectives from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Criminal Intelligence Unit served a Search and Seizure Warrant on a juvenile suspect in the Walmart parking lot in California, MD. The operation, part of an ongoing criminal investigation, was supported by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division.
The juvenile, who was driving a vehicle in the parking lot, was detained during the traffic stop for the service of the warrant. K9 Maja, a trained canine from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, performed a free-air sniff of the vehicle. The sniff resulted in a positive alert for the presence of contraband.
Following the alert, a thorough search of the vehicle was conducted. Under the driver's seat, officers found a loaded Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 9mm handgun. This discovery led to the immediate arrest of the juvenile suspect.
Despite being a minor, the suspect is being charged as an adult due to the severity of the offenses. The charges include possession of a firearm by a minor, carrying a handgun on their person, carrying a loaded handgun on their person, transporting a handgun in a vehicle on public roadways, and transporting a loaded handgun in a vehicle on public roadways.
Following the arrest, the juvenile was transported to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown. There, the suspect will await a bond hearing to determine the conditions of their release pending trial.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office to address illegal firearm possession and ensure public safety. The collaboration between various units within the sheriff's office, including the Criminal Intelligence Unit and the Criminal Investigations Division, played a crucial role in the successful execution of the warrant and subsequent arrest.
Sheriff's Office officials have emphasized the importance of community cooperation and the role of vigilant law enforcement in preventing crime and maintaining order. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by illegal firearms and the commitment of law enforcement to address these threats.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to provide further details on the case and any additional charges that may arise. The sheriff's office encourages anyone with information related to this case or similar incidents to come forward and assist in the ongoing efforts to combat crime in St. Mary's County.
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