On the afternoon of September 8, 2023, Tampa Police officers observed 17-year-old Jaquan Shuriah driving a maroon Kia Optima. Officers were aware that Shuriah did not possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in the 8400 block of N. Mulberry St. Shuriah quickly exited the car and began walking away, ignoring the officer’s commands to stop. He was then taken into custody, where a search revealed 14.8g of marijuana in his pocket.
Based on the odor of marijuana also coming from the car, officers conducted a search where they recovered a Daniels Defense AR15 style rifle, 357.1g marijuana, plastic baggies, a black digital scale, and 58 Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine pills. The pills were in a blank orange plastic bottle. The gun that was recovered had been previously reported as stolen in the auto burglary of an HCSO agency vehicle.
"This arrest is the result of outstanding police work done by those committed to keeping our community safe," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "It should also serve as a clear reminder of the consequences that teens will face when they are in possession of guns and drugs. We will continue to do everything in our ongoing efforts to keep guns out of the hands of those who should not have them."
Shuriah was charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Juvenile Conviction), Minor in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Short-Barreled Rifle, Possession of Drug without Prescription, Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Sell, Manufacture or Deliver (357g), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting an Officer Without Violence, and No Valid Drivers License. He was transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center.