VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Officers responded to a report that a teenager was armed with a handgun in Lynnhaven Mall over the weekend.
The teenager ran as officers tried to approach him, according to police. For retired police officer Pete Michalko, this incident raises questions.
"For a 15-year-old to have a firearm raises the first question," Michalko said. "Legally, a 15-year-old can't possess a firearm, so where did he get the firearm?"
Michalko has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement. He also experience in investigations that involve firearms.
After a brief chase, police added, the teenager was taken into custody, and the firearm was recovered.
"A lot of times, it does indicate that somebody is doing something wrong when they try to flee from the police," Michalko explained.
The suspect was charged with carrying a loaded firearm in a public place and possession of a firearm by a minor. Police did not report any injuries.
"This incident, this close to the holidays season," Michalko went on to say, "I imagine that could've turned out very, very badly for everyone involved."
There is no other information is available at this time.
