Armed teen arrested at gunpoint after spring break crowd fight on New Smyrna Beach
A 16-year-old who pulled a gun amid a crowd of spring breakers on New Smyrna Beach Thursday was arrested after running into the ocean and tossing the gun along with marijuana into the surf, according to the Volusia Sheriff's Office.
The 16-year-old Lakeland male was charged with three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a person under 18, improper exhibition of a firearm, commission of a second-degree felony with a weapon, resisting a law enforcement officer, two counts of tampering with evidence and sale of marijuana, according to the sheriff's office.
He was processed at the Volusia Family Resource Center before he was transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice. The News-Journal is not naming him because he has not been charged as an adult.
No one reported any injuries during the incident.
The incident began as deputies were patrolling the beach just north of Flagler Avenue when they heard yelling from a crowd. In a body camera video, a group of youth can be seen fighting.
People then started yelling "He has a gun!" the sheriff's office stated.
Deputies ran toward the commotion and saw the teenager holding the gun. Deputies drew their firearms and ordered the teenager to drop his gun, according to the sheriff's office.
But the teenager instead ran off still holding the gun, sprinting around people as he headed into the surf. The teenager threw the gun and a bag he was carrying into the surf, the sheriff's office stated.
Deputies with guns drawn ordered the teen to come out of the water. The teen finally put his hands up, walked out of the water and surrendered to deputies around 3:50 p.m., the sheriff's office stated.
Deputies recovered the gun and the bag, which contained 20 small plastic baggies of marijuana, the sheriff's office stated.
New Smyrna Beach increases law enforcement for spring break
New Smyrna Beach has become a hotbed for teens celebrating spring break over the past few years. NSB officials have issued an 11 p.m. curfew for juveniles as it has over the past few years.
NSB Chief of Police Eric Feldman and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood released a video warning spring breakers that all laws would be strictly enforced. Law enforcement would have "maximum staffing."
"Just be aware, we will be strictly enforcing all of our ordinances and laws and traffic laws to include seat belts, speeding, alcohol, vaping, you name it," Feldman said. "If you want to come and enjoy our city and follow our rules, you're welcome.
"Otherwise, your mom and dad likely will be coming to pick you up," he said.
Besides the new charges from the incident on New Smyrna Beach, the 16-year-old was wanted on seven no-bond warrants from Orange County, where he faces chargers of robbery with a firearm, violation of probation and other charges.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida teen arrested at gunpoint on crowded NSB beach