A simple traffic stop Wednesday had a different ending after a juvenile was found in possession of a loaded firearm.

On January 3rd at approximately 5:55 p.m. Deputy E.C. Taylor was traveling Southbound on Warrenton Road when he observed a Honda SUV traveling at a high rate of speed. Deputy Taylor conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle on Short Street and made contact with the occupants. Within the vehicle were four juveniles, and a firearm.

All four occupants were detained while the loaded firearm, hidden from common observation, was seized. The firearm was discovered to have no serial number, had a 30-round magazine, and one round in the chamber. Upon further inspection, Deputy Taylor discovered the firearm had a modification on the slide believed to be a “Glock switch”, a dangerous and illegal device.

The juvenile in possession of the firearm received criminal complaints for possession of a handgun by a juvenile, and carrying a concealed weapon. He was detained at the Juvenile Detention Center, while the other three passengers were released to a guardian. Additional criminal complaints may be sought.

“Glock switches” are a growing problem all across the United States. These small devices have the ability to change a semi-automatic gun into a fully-automatic gun, allowing the shooter to fire a dozen bullets per second. The device is illegal to own under federal law, and the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is glad to report this one is off the streets.