A 16-year-old and an 18-year-old were arrested last week after deputies found two handguns and marijuana in a car in Key Largo.
Luke Eric Townsend, 18, of Tavernier, was charged with possession of a marijuana vape pen without a prescription and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The 16-year-old male Key Largo resident was charged with possession of a concealed firearm without a valid concealed carry license, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia (a pipe).
Around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy received a call about a suspicious vehicle with several juveniles who appeared to be doing drugs near Newport Village in Key Largo. Two deputies responded to the area, where they found five males ranging from ages 16 to 19.
After noting the smell of marijuana, the deputies asked all five to exit the vehicle. A search of the car revealed a loaded .38-caliber semi-automatic pistol, a loaded .380-caliber revolver, a marijuana vape pen, a small amount of marijuana and a small glass water pipe.
A 17-year-old told deputies that the group had been smoking a joint prior to arrival. The 16-year-old who was arrested was the driver of the vehicle, and he also claimed ownership of the .38-caliber pistol, saying he found it in the Everglades several weeks ago. Townsend claimed the revolver and pen.
Townsend and the 16-year-old were taken to jail where both the 16-year-old’s parents and the Department of Juvenile Justice were notified. The 16-year-old was placed in the custody of the DJJ.
Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.
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