LUTZ, Fla. (CBS12) — A late-night neighborhood call turned into an aerial standoff after deputies say three Florida teens pointed BB guns at the sheriff’s office’s helicopter.
Deputies with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office say they responded around 1:40 a.m. Saturday to the area of East 148th Avenue in Lutz after a caller reported seeing three people walking through the neighborhood carrying what appeared to be firearms.
When the agency’s Aviation Unit arrived, pilots located the three individuals, deputies said. Authorities said the teens pointed the apparent weapons directly at the helicopter before entering a nearby home.
Deputies on the ground gave commands for 19-year-old Jertrell Hamilton, 15-year-old Javis Hamilton, and 15-year-old Brayden Eason to come out of the residence. All three complied without incident, according to investigators.
During the investigation, deputies determined the weapons were BB guns.
All three teens were arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon.
In a statement, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister explained the seriousness of the situation:
Our deputies make split-second decisions every day to protect this community, and we have zero tolerance for anyone who points what appears to be a weapon at them, whether they’re on the ground or in the air. If you aim what looks like a rifle at one of our deputies or our Aviation Unit, expect our immediate response and to be held fully accountable for your actions.
Deputies say the investigation remains active at this time.