On Monday, April 29, 2024, at around 11:04 p.m., a Gillespie County deputy observed a vehicle parked at a convenience store parking lot located at 2204 South SH 16. Upon approaching the vehicle, the deputy engaged in a consensual conversation with the five occupants. It was discovered that all occupants were minors (under 21 years old) and that there were nicotine-related vape products present in the vehicle, along with the smell of marijuana.
Following this discovery, the deputy conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle. During the search, a backpack belonging to one of the occupants was found to contain a handgun and marijuana. The male occupant claimed he believed the handgun was stolen, though a records check showed it had not been reported as stolen as of that date.
Another handgun was found within the vehicle, but none of the occupants claimed ownership or knowledge of it. Similarly, this handgun had not been reported as stolen at the time of discovery.
Subsequently, it was revealed that one of the male occupants, an 18-year-old from Abilene, TX, had an active felony warrant for Aggravated Robbery issued in Travis County. He was arrested regarding the warrant and charged with Possession of Marijuana (< 2 oz.) and Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon.
The second handgun, unclaimed by any occupant, was seized as suspected stolen property. The remaining occupants were released without charges.
