By Mark Price
The Charlotte Observer
SILVER SPRINGS SHORES, Fla. — A terrifying brawl erupted in the aisles of a Family Dollar store when a sheriff’s deputy discovered he was facing a 16-year-old with a rifle tucked into his pants, Florida investigators say.
The struggle for control of the gun erupted around 5 p.m. on Monday, June 17, when the teen jumped from a car in Silver Springs Shores and tried hiding in the store, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office reports. Silver Springs Shores is about a 70-mile drive northwest from Orlando.
“I was able to cut (him) off in front of the store,” Deputy Muhammad-Al Qubaisy wrote in his report.
“The defendant had a short, barreled rifle partially visible inside his waistband, covered by his sweatshirt. … (He) had a grip on the rifle and a scuffle began. While I was giving commands to the defendant to let go of the firearm, he was using physical force to gain control of the firearm. I was in fear for my safety and others.”
Video shows the deputy and suspect crashed through displays of citronella flare candles and Lay’s Stax Potato Chips, sending cans and candles flying.
The deputy won out, getting the rifle and the teen’s shirt before forcing him to the floor to be handcuffed, video shows.
Investigators say the chase began when the deputy attempted to stop a vehicle with a broken brake light. The vehicle eventually pulled into the parking lot of the Family Dollar and a passenger jumped and ran, officials said.
“In the vehicle, deputies located drugs that appeared to be packaged for sale,” the sheriff’s office said.
The teen — “who is considered a delinquent felon under Florida law” — is being held without bond on charges of:
- Felony possession of a weapon or ammunition by a Florida delinquent
- Possession of a weapon/short barreled gun rifle or machine gun
- Display of a fire arm during a felony
- Assault on a law enforcement officer
- Delivery of synthetic cannabinoids
- Possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana
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