A teenager is in custody after sleeping next to a loaded rifle in Hyattsville, Maryland, police say.
A person from a home in Hyattsville called the police about their son about 8 pm Sunday. When police arrived, they evacuated the family and found a 15-year-old boy sleeping in his room next to a loaded, short-barreled AR-15-style rifle, Hyattsville Police Department said.
“Ultimately, we don’t know what our officers may have prevented or intervened in by confiscating this weapon,” Hyattsville Police Chief Jarod Towers said.
Police said they entered the home using a rifle shield, went into the suspect’s bedroom where he was asleep on his back, and retrieved the rifle, which was loaded with two bullets in the 30-round magazine.
Police took the gun, then woke up the teenager and put him in custody. The weapon is in police possession.
“He was sound asleep when the officers entered the room, and they were able to seize the weapon,” Towers said. “They were very thoughtful and tactful in entering the room, rather than barging into the room and making noise and causing a confrontation and escalating the situation.”
The serial number on the gun was covered by a black glue substance, according to police. It was not confirmed if the weapon was stolen or why the teenager had the loaded rifle.
Towers said the parent did the right thing and police had been in contact with the boy and the family before.
“We have done everything in our power to encourage him to make better choices,” Towers said. “I have great gratitude for the mother for calling and for trusting us to be involved in the situation.”
The teen is charged as a juvenile with possession of a firearm under the age of 21 and altering the gun’s serial number.
This is a developing story. Stay with News4 for more information.
