WCSO: 17-year-old arrested during traffic stop with firearm and ski mask

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — The Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) has arrested a 17-year-old from Panama City and charged him with carrying a concealed weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm under the age of 18, the WCSO said.

According to the WCSO, a Walton County Sheriff’s Office K9-Unit running radar near Highway 98 in Inlet Beach pulled over a Tesla Friday night for driving 75 miles an hour in a posted 55.

There were three juveniles and an 18-year-old in the vehicle. The 18-year-old is currently on probation and the driver, 17-years-of-age, told the deputy he did not have his driver’s license.

The deputy also smelled marijuana coming from inside the car, according to the WCSO.

After a search of the vehicle deputies said they located a Glock 9mm with a magazine containing 15 rounds of ammunition, a pink camouflage ski mask, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

After speaking with all four inside the vehicle, 17-year-old Hayes Patterson Kirkland admitted the firearm and ski mask were his, the WCSO said.

Kirkland was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm under the age of 18.

The weapon was reportedly located in the right rear passenger seat pocket within close reach of Kirkland.

This weekend deputies were spread across numerous areas in Walton County to monitor the influx of visitors during spring break. More than 170 traffic stops were conducted including the one discussed above.