Teen in Jacksonville Beach arrested for having gun with serial number scratched off, police say

A 16-year-old was arrested on Sunday, March 13 after officers found him with a firearm that had the serial number scratched off.

The Jacksonville Beach Police Department says the arrest happened around 3:30 a.m. when an officer was conducting a traffic stop. That officer requested backup after smelling marijuana coming from the vehicle.

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Inside the vehicle was an 18-year-old driver with a 16-year-old passenger. When the 16-year-old stood up, police identified a loaded handgun magazine in the seat and a Glock handgun in the glove box.

Officers found the serial number of the firearm scratched off to disguise its true identity, which is a felony. It is a misdemeanor to sell, deliver or possess a firearm that has the serial number altered or removed.

JBPD arrested the 16-year-old based on their findings.

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