Teen Arrested for Firing Flare Gun Onto Soccer Field, Causing Damage and Endangering Players
The Bradenton Police Department has apprehended a 16-year-old in connection with a dangerous incident at a local private school soccer match on November 21. The teenager, who is not a student at the school, fired a flare gun onto the field during the game, narrowly missing players and causing significant property damage.
Detectives report that the teen had been asked to leave the match due to disruptive behavior. After leaving the school grounds with his friends, he returned to a vehicle parked at a nearby restaurant. From the passenger seat, the teen discharged the flare gun, which burned two holes in the artificial turf of the soccer field, resulting in over $1,000 in damages.
The teenager later admitted responsibility for the act, expressed remorse, and agreed to turn himself in to cooperate with authorities. On December 9, Bradenton Police detectives arrested the teen on charges of Criminal Mischief, a third-degree felony, and Culpable Negligence, a second-degree misdemeanor. He was taken to the Juvenile Detention Center.
The incident highlights the serious consequences of reckless behavior and the potential harm caused by such actions. The case remains under investigation to determine whether additional parties were involved.