2 arrested in Marion County for pointing BB gun at children

ORLANDO, Fla. -
Two individuals were arrested after allegedly pointing a gun at children in northwest Marion County last week, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

Report that a gun had been aimed at playing children

What we know:

The incident occurred on April 3, when deputies responded to a report that a gun had been aimed at children playing outside a home. Investigators said the suspects, riding a moped, passed by the residence when the passenger, later identified as a juvenile, allegedly pointed what appeared to be a firearm at the children. A witness reported hearing six gunshots shortly after the moped left the area.

Deputies canvassing the neighborhood located the moped abandoned on the roadside. Deputies initiated a traffic stop, during which the driver, Alexis Joel Diaz, briefly fled. According to authorities, Diaz threw a realistic-looking BB gun from his waistband before complying with commands and being taken into custody.

Alexis Joel Diaz | Credit: Marion County Sheriff's Office

Deputies later located the juvenile near the scene of the traffic stop. He was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, after reportedly admitting to pointing the BB gun. Diaz faces charges of fleeing and eluding and driving without a valid license.

No injuries were reported in the incident. 

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