WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — A dramatic chase unfolded early Thursday morning after a Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputy witnessed an SUV driving erratically on Highway 98 near County Highway 393 North shortly after 2 am.
The driver, whom authorities said they later discovered to be a 13-year-old, allegedly fled the scene but struck a construction barrel while entering a zone under construction on Highway 98 near County Road 30A. Following a brief pursuit, the deputy was able to stop the vehicle, according to the WCSO.
Upon inspection, the deputy found the teenager behind the wheel and, during a search of the SUV, reportedly uncovered a fully loaded .38 special revolver, a vape pen, and a marijuana pipe.
The Walton County Jail booking system was temporarily unavailable at the time of the arrest, so the WCSO said the juvenile was issued a criminal citation for driving without a license. Additionally, the agency said a warrant is being sought for charges related to the minor’s alleged possession of a firearm.
According to the WCSO, deputies serving as school resource officers followed up with the family, and the juvenile has been placed in remote learning pending potential further action.
