JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — A proactive patrol led to the arrest of a convicted felon after officers discovered a loaded firearm inside a vehicle near the beach, according to police.
Officers were checking beach end-zones for suspicious activity when they located a vehicle occupied by two individuals near 10th Avenue South. The front seat passenger was asleep as officers approached to address a city ordinance violation.
During the interaction, officers observed additional indicators that prompted further investigation. Police said the driver was in possession of an open container of alcohol and admitted there was a weapon inside the vehicle.
Authorities said the driver reached toward a pair of jeans on his lap, leading officers to issue commands and safely secure the firearm. The weapon was identified as an AR-style pistol loaded with 20 rounds of .300 Blackout ammunition and concealed within the clothing.
A records check revealed the driver was a convicted felon from Georgia and currently on active felony probation, officials said. He was identified as Tedrick B. Crockett.
Crockett was taken into custody without incident and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The passenger was released at the scene.
Police said the firearm was seized and the investigation remains ongoing.