Just after midnight on Wednesday, what started as a routine traffic stop in the 9900 block of Keystone Parkway southbound turned into a gun and drug bust involving local teenagers. Hamilton County authorities say a deputy pulled over a vehicle for a traffic violation and ended up finding multiple firearms, high-capacity magazines and a pistol allegedly modified to fire automatically, along with marijuana and what officers described as evidence of dealing. Four teenagers were taken into custody, three of them juveniles, in a case that has local officials again sounding the alarm about guns and illegal drugs in the hands of young people.
What deputies say they found
The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office says the stop was initiated shortly after midnight, when a deputy spotted a traffic violation and pulled over a car carrying five teens. According to WIBC, deputies recovered multiple firearms and marijuana during a search of the vehicle. Investigators have not yet released the names or hometowns of those arrested as they continue to sort through the evidence.
Weapons, magazines and alleged conversion device
Photos shared by law enforcement show firearms outfitted with high-capacity magazines. Authorities say they pulled 30-round magazines and a 50-round drum from the car. As reported by WISH-TV via The Reporter, one of the pistols appeared to have been illegally modified with a "switch" that would allow fully automatic fire. Deputies described that type of device as especially dangerous for both the public and patrol officers who encounter it during stops like this one.
Charges and investigation
Hamilton County deputies say four teenagers were arrested and now face preliminary counts that include dangerous possession of a firearm by a juvenile, possession of a machine gun and dealing marijuana, along with related drug charges. WIBC reports that three of those taken into custody are juveniles and that additional charges could still be filed as the investigation moves forward. Prosecutors will decide whether to pursue adult or juvenile proceedings once investigators finish their review of the case.
Community response and next steps
Local law-enforcement officials are pointing to the stop as both a win for proactive policing and a sobering reminder of what deputies might encounter on any given night, stressing broader concerns about teens, guns and illegal drugs. As reported by WOWO, authorities have not released the identities of those arrested because most are juveniles, who are handled differently under Indiana law. Hamilton County officials say the investigation remains active and are asking anyone with information or relevant video to contact the Sheriff's Office.
