Police find 14-year-old with a RIFLE at Coastland Mall

Naples police say a 14-year-old brought a rifle into Coastland Center Mall.

They said that on Sunday afternoon, outside of the Old Navy store, another customer noticed the imprint of a gun in the teenager’s backpack, according to a recent article by WFTX of FOX4.

An off-duty security guard reportedly found the teenager and demanded to see what was in his backpack. They claim that because he contained marijuana, the teen told him no.

Authorities claim that when the child attempted to flee during questioning, they used a takedown technique to control him and bring him into prison.

A felony count of unlawful carrying of a concealed firearm has been brought against Joseph Sweeney. In addition, he is charged with misdemeanors for possessing marijuana and resisting arrest.

Police found less than 20 grams of marijuana and a Palmetto State Armory AR-style rifle with a fully loaded magazine inside Sweeney’s bag.

Sweeney allegedly informed police that he had no intention of opening fire or shooting anyone at the mall. They claim he declined to tell them when or how he obtained the firearm.

This article originally appeared on FOX4