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Gang Member Had Assault Rifle, Hillsborough Deputies Say

Raul Garcia Jr

Deputies have arrested an MS 13 gang member who was carrying an AK-47 assault rifle, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

WIMAUMA – A member of the MS 13 gang was arrested early Monday (Feb. 19) after an overnight search for the man, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

Raul Garcia Jr., 21, of Wimauma, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, exhibition of a firearm, loitering and prowling, and felon in possession of a firearm. He was also charged with three counts of resisting an officer without violence.

Deputies were called to Lenfred Drive and Palmetto Road in Wimauma about 6 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 18) for a report of an armed person seen on foot in the area. When deputies arrived, they learned from neighbors that an armed man was standing in the street with long gun yelling at passing cars to stop. The man was also jumping in front of cars in an attempt to make them stop.

AK 47 | Hillsborough Sheriff | ArrestsDeputies began checking the area and spotted the man, who was later identified as Garcia, wearing black shorts and no shirt carrying a black and brown rifle in his hands while walking near a truck. As deputies approached Garcia, they said they ordered him to stop and drop the rifle. Garcia refused and fled on foot into the nearby woods.

Deputies, helped by a K9 and an HCS0 helicopter, searched the wooded area and located a Norinko SKS AK-47 rifle and later found a green bag that Garcia was seen carrying. Deputies searched the woods and did not locate Garcia.

When deputies search the green bag, they said they found three small baggies of a white crystal substance that tested positive for methamphetamine, four methamphetamine pipes, and five live .38-caliber rounds.

Deputies continued actively searching for Garcia until he was located and arrested without incident at 118420 U.S. 301 S on Monday (Feb. 19) morning. The rifle was not reported stolen and
its history is unknown.

Deputies said Garcia Jr. is a certified MS 13 gang member.

Photos courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Hillsborough Sheriff | Crime | Drug Possession | Gang Member Arrested | Arrests | Tampabay News

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