2 Florida Men Steal Deputy’s Gun from RaceTrac Bathroom

Two Florida men got caught doing something really dumb in Seminole County, and it’s one of those “you can’t make this up” moments. According to FOX35, a deputy sheriff stopped at a RaceTrac gas station in Oviedo, probably just needing to use the restroom when duty calls and all… Like most of us would, he takes off his gun belt because who wants to be strapped while handling their business, right? But then, mid-bathroom break, he gets a service call and dips out, totally forgetting the one thing he should probably never forget… His gun.

Now, that’s mistake number one. But it gets crazier. The deputy realizes his gun is missing later and starts freaking out, as you would. At this point, enter our two Florida men knuckleheads, Chance Roberto Byron and Damari Isaiah Able Dennis. These guys happened to be in the bathroom after the deputy and clearly thought they hit the jackpot. So, what do they do? Well, they allegedly stuffed the deputy’s gun into a toilet paper roll and rolled out of the gas station like it was just another day.

But here’s the thing about gas stations that these brilliant Florida men didn't think about…They’ve got cameras everywhere. The surveillance video caught these two geniuses leaving the bathroom with a suspicious bulge. (And no, it’s not what you’re thinking.) The police checked the tapes, connected the dots, and pretty soon they realized they got them.

So what are these Florida men facing? Well, for starters, grand theft of a firearm, which is a big deal. They’re also getting charged for not reporting the gun, because apparently, when you find a cop’s gun in a bathroom, the right move isn’t to smuggle it out in a toilet paper roll. Who knew? Oh, and there’s also the whole “dealing in stolen property” thing.

Dennis is in even deeper doo doo, though, because he’s already on felony probation. And being a convicted felon, having a gun on you is a huge no-no. He’s officially labeled as a “violent felony offender,” which pretty much makes this whole situation even messier for him.

So, what did we learn? Don’t steal from cops, especially in gas stations with cameras everywhere. And if you’re on felony probation, maybe don’t add to your list of stupid decisions by walking out with a deputy’s gun in your pants.

You are NOT allowed to bring a gun onto a plane in your carry on bag.  Even if you have a concealed carry permit. You can bring a gun on a plane if it is unloaded and packed in a locked, hard-sided case and the bag is checked. Despite that very clear rule, many people continue to bring guns in their carry-ons. And Florida airports are seeing a lot of them.

The TSA announced in a press release " Nationwide, TSA officers stopped 6,542 firearms at checkpoints at 262 different airports, surpassing the previous record of 5,972 firearms caught at checkpoints last year. The majority of those firearms (88%) were loaded. " On average, that's one gun for every 116,394 travelers screened nationwide. But of course, some airports see more than others.

Last week we noted, Four of the Top Five Worst Airports in the U.S. Are In Florida. At least Florida is slightly better on this list. However, neither of these lists compare to what went down in Atlanta this week:

The Tampa Bay Times states, "In Florida, TSA officers confiscated a record 854 guns in 2022. That’s a 28% increase from the previous record in 2021." And it's not a small deal, either. I'm sure for many of these it was a mistake. But that mistake can involve criminal charges and a fine of up to nearly $15,000.  - Careful if you click on the Tampa Bay Times link, you only get three free articles before they start charging you.

So how does Florida rank on people trying to brings guns onto planes? Not as bad as you'd think. Sure, even one is too many, but take a look at what is going on in Atlanta. Below is the ranking, airport, and guns caught by TSA at checkpoints in 2022.

That beats Tampa's previous record of 105 in 2021.

This must be why the new Grand Theft Auto is based around the Miami area.

Texas also has 3 airports on this list. Before you think this is mostly a Florida and Texas problem - read on.

True story - I wore an Illuminati t-shirt at this airport hoping I'd be escorted into a secret meeting room. This was back around 2013 when Colorado just legalized recreational marijuana so it's possible I was high as eggs when I tried it. The Denver Airport has more conspiracy theories than guns. So many that they had to issue a statement.

There's Orlando. In the Four of the Top Five Worst Airports in the U.S. Are In Florida, Orlando was voted number one. 162 guns a year is just over 3 a week.

196 guns. That's nothing compared to what they find in San Antonio.

Good ol' boys and their guns?

More Texas. What's the difference between an Intercontinental and International Airport?

Texas again. I get it, you have guns. But you don't need it on the plane.

Coming in first and not even close is Atlanta. If you're working TSA in Atlanta expect at least a gun a day.  You see how I put that video from Atlanta earlier in the story? That's called foreshadowing. I'm good at this. I actually wrote a series that starts off with a 2 hour movie and then goes into 8 -  30 minute shows. It's about old people doing crazy stuff at nursing homes because they're bored. You listening Netflix? Call me.