In a shocking incident at the Chinatown Seafair Parade, three teenagers, aged 14 and 13, were arrested for brandishing ‘fully automatic’ firearms. Seattle police reported that all three teens were in possession of handguns, with two of them reported stolen and modified to be fully automatic.
The incident unfolded on Sunday evening at approximately 7:31 p.m. when patrol officers responded to distress calls regarding the teens brandishing firearms near 7th Avenue South and South Weller Street. The sight of the armed teenagers caused panic among parade-goers, prompting people to seek safety before comprehending the situation.
Seattle Police spokesperson, Officer Bowman, stated, “Nobody knew what was going on, of course, but the first response by any normal human being was to seek safety and then figure it out subsequently.”
Upon their arrival, the police swiftly detained the teenagers in the vicinity. Each of the apprehended teens was found to be carrying a handgun, with two of the firearms reported stolen and modified to be fully automatic. Furthermore, one of the weapons was equipped with an extended magazine.
Thankfully, the teenagers did not resist arrest. However, they now face a range of charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful carry of a pistol, and felony harassment. Following their arrest, all three were booked into the juvenile detention center.
While two of the teens will remain in custody until their arraignment, one teenager has been held on unlawful possession of a firearm after a judge found probable cause. Jimmy Hung, the county’s chief deputy prosecutor of the Juvenile Division, expressed his disappointment, stating that discoveries like these involving young individuals are unfortunately not uncommon.
This alarming incident highlights the urgent need for stricter gun control measures and emphasizes the importance of educating young people about the dangers and consequences of firearm possession. The Seattle Police Department is working diligently to ensure the safety of the community and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
As the investigation continues, concerned citizens and parents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving firearms to the authorities.