NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Port Orange police working in New Smyrna Beach alongside local officers during spring break arrested an 18-year-old man on Friday after a handgun was found inside of the vehicle he was driving, according to a statement.
Ronny Bengochea-Chinea, 18, of Lakeland, faces a charge of carrying a concealed firearm, records show. Port Orange police say they located the handgun — as well as marijuana and an extended magazine — after stopping Bengochea-Chinea and his 16-year-old passenger.
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Bengochea-Chinea was taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail where he was held overnight on $2,500 bond, records show. The 16-year-old who was with Bengochea-Chinea was taken to the Volusia Family Resource Center, police said.
The New Smyrna Beach Police Department shared a photo on Facebook, reposted by Port Orange police, that shows what officers said is the inside of the vehicle.
Bengochea-Chinea’s first appearance in court was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
In Florida, per state statutes and with few exceptions, only those 21 and older may be eligible for a concealed firearms license. HB 543, which was signed into law last year by Gov. Ron DeSantis, does authorize Florida residents to carry a concealed handgun without such a license, but it does not apply to those who would otherwise not qualify for the license in the first place.
Officers noted this arrest occurred a day after 16-year-old Felixander Solis-Guzman, also of Lakeland, was arrested after allegedly pulling a gun in a spring break crowd at New Smyrna Beach.
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