JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Two Florida teenagers are facing charges after they were seen breaking into several cars in Jacksonville.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says they’re releasing this video to address what it calls misinformation surrounding the case.
According to JSO, officers responded around 2:45 a.m. on July 20 after reports of armed suspects burglarizing vehicles.
Police say officers saw 14-year-old Rashawn Knight and another teenager breaking into a car, and that an alarm could be heard before officers approached.
Deputies say officers identified themselves, ordered the suspects to stop, and that both teens ran away while armed.
Deputies chased Knight, gave multiple commands to stop, and deployed a service dog because they believed he was armed and posed a danger, authorities said.
The department says the dog stopped Knight, who then dropped a firearm.
JSO says Knight later reached toward his waistband, prompting an officer to use distraction strikes while ordering him to show his hands. Police say the dog was then removed.
Investigators say the handgun was stolen and that officers also found a window-breaking tool used in vehicle burglaries.
Knight was taken to a hospital for evaluation before being transported to the jail. He faces nine counts of armed burglary and one count of possession of a firearm by a minor.
Police also released mugshots of both suspects arrested in the case.
JSO said an administrative review found no policy violations by officers involved.
The department is pushing back on social media claims that the incident began as a jaywalking case, saying officers were responding to reports of armed vehicle burglaries.
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