On June 18, 2026, at 3:43 p.m., a disturbance involving armed suspects at the Brandon Mall led to the arrest of two juveniles.
When deputies located the suspects, both fled on foot through a nearby store and surrounding area. As deputies followed them, the juveniles discarded a backpack containing a loaded AR-15-style firearm and later threw away a handgun.
Deputies maintained visual contact throughout the incident and safely took Dae Shaun Rah Kel Williams, 16, and Dontavias Tavares Stewart Jr., 15, into custody. Both firearms were recovered, and no one was injured.
Deputies learned the suspects had threatened a victim and implied they were armed, causing her to fear for her safety.
“Armed juveniles threatening the public will face serious consequences,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “These two individuals are now facing serious felony charges. We will not tolerate violent crime in our community, regardless of the offender’s age. This arrest demonstrates that criminal behavior, especially involving weapons, will result in accountability.”
Dae Shaun Rah Kel Williams, 16, is facing the following charges:
Child Violation of Probation
Resisting an Officer Without Violence
Minor in Possession of a Firearm
Disrupting a School Function or Lawful Assembly
Tampering with Physical Evidence
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
Dontavias Tavares Stewart Jr., 15, is facing the following charges:
Resisting an Officer Without Violence
Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Minor in Possession of a Firearm
Disrupting a School Function or Lawful Assembly
Tampering with Physical Evidence
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
This is an active investigation. Any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.
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