ORANGE PARK, Fla. – Three teens were arrested for shoplifting from the Belk store at Orange Park Mall, and one of them was found with a firearm, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said one of the teens is 16 years old, and the other two are 17 years old. All three were wearing black “ski mask” face coverings.
According to the sheriff’s office, the 16-year-old was found with a concealed firearm in his waistband. After they removed the gun, deputies said he tried to run away but was quickly apprehended.
RELATED | Large police presence at Orange Park Mall because of juvenile disturbances
“This incident sheds light on the unexpected challenges and dangers our deputies face daily,” the Clay County Sheriff’s Office wrote on Twitter.
The 16-year-old is now facing several charges including possession of a concealed firearm by a minor, resisting arrest without violence, retail theft, possession of marijuana, and wearing a mask, hood, or other decide on public property.
Deputies said the other two juveniles are facing charges for retail theft, and wearing a mask, hood, or other device on public property.
MORE | ‘It was chaos’: Clay County deputies close Orange Park Mall due to teens causing disturbances
“We’re thankful that no one, including our deputies, the involved juveniles, and mall shoppers, sustained any injuries during this incident,” deputies wrote.
Copyright 2023 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.
