A Florida deputy’s lost firearm, found in a gas station bathroom and later sold online, raises serious public safety concerns and questions about law enforcement professionalism.
At a Glance
- A Seminole County deputy left his gun in a RaceTrac restroom in Oviedo.
- Two men found the gun and sold it for $40 on CashApp.
- The deputy will likely face a departmental review.
- Both suspects were arrested and face multiple charges.
- The gun has since been recovered.
Incident Overview
A Seminole County deputy left his service firearm, a Sig Sauer P320, in a RaceTrac restroom in Oviedo. The incident occurred around 5:30 pm while the officer was using the facilities and distracted by his cellphone. Upon responding to a call, he left the store, only later realizing his gun was missing.
The gun was found by Damari Dennis and Chance Byron. Dennis, a convicted felon on probation, avoided touching the gun while Byron took possession of it. Surveillance footage recorded Byron leaving the store with a noticeable bulge at his waist.
Florida deputy's gun sold for $40 after he left it in gas station bathroom: reports https://t.co/b6TCgenh0C pic.twitter.com/CvulPReDnC
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) September 3, 2024
Further Details
The firearm was sold for $40 via CashApp. The subsequently conducted investigation led to Dennis and Byron being arrested and charged with grand theft of a firearm and other offenses. Dennis also faces additional charges due to his status as a convicted felon.
The incident highlights significant concerns over law enforcement professionalism and the broader implications for public safety. The department’s professional standards division is expected to review the deputy’s actions thoroughly.
Florida deputy's gun sold for $40 after he left it in gas station bathroom | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/BVDFIFpv1Y
— WESH 2 News (@WESH) September 2, 2024
Public Safety Considerations
This case underscores the risks associated with firearms that are not carefully secured and the potential dangers of relatively unchecked exchanges through online marketplaces. Law enforcement agencies must address these lapses in protocol to prevent future occurrences.
The successful recovery of the firearm offers some relief, but the incident raises several pressing questions about officer conduct and the potential reforms necessary to ensure community safety.
