Florida deputies peacefully ended a tense situation last week when a teenager pulled a gun on a beach crowded with spring breakers.
The incident happened at about 3:45 p.m. March 14 when Volusia County sheriff's deputies on patrol along New Smyrna Beach heard someone yell, "He has a gun!" WKMG-TV reports. When they investigated, deputies discovered a 16-year-old male—identified as Felixander Solis-Guzman—brandishing a handgun.
"(Deputies) observed our desperado pointing a gun at another individual. He then looks up and see the deputies and takes a long run along the water's edge," said Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
The deputies had drawn their weapons when they confronted Solis-Guzman, who continued to head into the water. A body camera worn by one of the deputies captured the incident.
"Now remember: there's massive crowds on the beach. He's running, and he never gets rid of that gun," said Chitwood.
Finally, the teen threw his handgun into the waves. He also tossed a black satchel bag into the water before surrendering to deputies.
The gun and the bag were both recovered by deputies. A search of the bag found 20 smaller plastic bags filled with marijuana.
No injuries were reported from the incident.
"What I have here is a little desperado out of Orange County — armed — decides to come to our beach because he's here to sell drugs," said Chitwood.
On Friday, prosecutors decided to charge Solis-Guzman as an adult. He faces multiple charges stemming from the incident, including firearm possession by a minor, the sale of marijuana and other counts.
The teen also seven active no-bond warrants from Orange County. Those included warrants for armed robbery and probation violation.
“This 16-year-old brought drugs and a gun to Volusia County during Spring Break,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza wrote on social media. “He will now face adult charges and serious consequences for his reckless actions. We welcome Spring Breakers, so long as they behave themselves.”
