A Saturday disturbance at the Brandon Exchange shopping center ended with two teenagers in custody and deputies recovering an AR-15-style rifle and a handgun, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators say the 15-year-old and 16-year-old threatened a victim, took off running when deputies arrived, and ditched the weapons before they were caught.
What Deputies Say Happened
Deputies say the teens were first contacted after a disturbance at the mall on Saturday. When law enforcement moved in, the pair allegedly bolted from the scene. Officials say the suspects later discarded the firearms, which deputies then recovered nearby.
Charges Recorded By Deputies
In its post, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office described the incident as involving “two armed juveniles” and identified the teens as Dontavias Tavares Stewart Jr., 15, and Dae Shaun Rah Kel Williams, 16.
According to the agency, Stewart faces allegations that include resisting an officer without violence, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, minor in possession of a firearm, disrupting school or a lawful assembly, tampering with physical evidence, and a charge tied to possession of a firearm during another offense.
Williams, deputies say, was booked on a child-violation-of-probation allegation along with resisting an officer without violence, minor in possession of a firearm, disrupting school or a lawful assembly, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Brandon On Alert
The arrests land in the middle of growing concern about social-media-fueled “teen takeovers” that have put Brandon on edge and boosted law enforcement visibility at malls and parks. A recent report on how cops flood Brandon hot spots detailed how Tampa and Hillsborough County agencies have been actively monitoring planned gatherings and increasing uniformed patrols to head off potential chaos.
Separately, WUSF has highlighted local youth mentors who are weighing in on the “teen takeover” trend and pushing for longer-term solutions that go beyond a heavier police presence.
Legal Consequences Ahead
Because Stewart and Williams are minors, their cases will initially move through Florida’s juvenile justice system. However, state law gives prosecutors the option to seek tougher treatment in certain circumstances. Under Florida Statutes, prosecutors may “direct file” charges in adult court or request a transfer for specific offenses or older juveniles, a step that can significantly change potential penalties and how the cases are handled.
The Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains active and that deputies are continuing to follow leads. This report will be updated as additional details are released.
