JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says a gun stolen in February was recovered Saturday afternoon from a 17-year-old convicted felon during a traffic stop.
The traffic stop happened at around 2 p.m. near Cleveland Road and West 45th Street, where officers made contact with the suspect.
The teen was the passenger in a vehicle that was stopped for reportedly having an expired tag, according to police.
During the stop, the officer noticed the suspect moved a black bag from the rear seat to the front of the vehicle.
When the officer approached the passenger side of the vehicle, he reportedly saw the teenager's right hand inside the black bag. The suspect was detained and police said they found a stolen loaded Glock 27.
Police said a search of the firearm revealed the loaded gun was stolen in February from the center console of an unlocked vehicle at an apartment complex. The same night the gun was stolen, police said multiple unlocked vehicles at the complex were ransacked.
JSO warns citizens should follow the 9 p.m. Routine to protect their property and to keep stolen guns out of the hands of criminals.
The teenage suspect is a felon previously convicted of possession of a weapon by a delinquent juvenile, armed possession of cocaine and armed possession of marijuana.
Regarding Saturday's incident, the suspect has been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
