POLICE / PUBLIC SAFETY

13-year-old caught driving erratically, found with gun: WCSO

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.

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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.

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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.

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