Two teenagers were arrested at Brandon Mall in Florida after threatening a victim and implying they were armed. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance involving armed suspects and located the teenagers near the mall.

Arrest and Charges

The 15-year-old and 16-year-old suspects fled on foot through a nearby store and the surrounding area, discarding a backpack containing a loaded semi-automatic rifle and later throwing away a handgun. Deputies maintained visual contact and safely apprehended the suspects.

The 16-year-old is facing charges including child violation of probation, resisting an officer without violence, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The 15-year-old is facing charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, minor in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Sheriff Chad Chronister stated, ‘Armed juveniles threatening the public will face serious consequences. These two individuals are now facing serious felony charges. We will not tolerate violent crime in our community, regardless of the offender’s age.’

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.