HOPEWELL, Va. — Three teenagers were arrested on Sunday after they were found in possession of multiple firearms during a traffic stop in Hopewell.
At approximately 2:22 p.m. on March 9, officers with the Hopewell Police Department initiated a routine traffic stop on a vehicle. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the three occupants—each 16 years old—had multiple firearms with them.
The teenagers were taken into custody and transported to the Crater Detention Center in Disputanta. Their identities have not been disclosed.
Hopewell Police Chief Gregory Taylor addressed the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the risk posed to the community when underage individuals possess firearms. “Incidents involving underage individuals with firearms pose a serious risk to the community,” Chief Taylor stated. “The police department is committed to holding juveniles accountable for firearm-related offenses and ensuring they face appropriate legal consequences. Through proactive enforcement and collaboration with the juvenile justice system, we will continue working to prevent gun violence and keep our community safe.”
The department is urging anyone with further information related to the incident to contact the Hopewell Criminal Investigations Unit at 804-541-2284.
This arrest serves as a reminder of the ongoing concerns surrounding gun violence and the illegal possession of firearms, particularly among minors. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to understand the circumstances that led to the teenagers’ possession of the firearms and to address the broader issue of gun access among youth.
