Officer’s Misplaced Firearm Sold Online: Shocking Security Breach Uncovered

A Florida deputy’s service weapon was sold for a mere $40 after he left it in a gas station restroom, raising serious concerns about law enforcement accountability and public safety.

At a Glance

Seminole County deputy left his gun in a RaceTrac restroom in Oviedo
Two men found the gun and sold it for $40 via CashApp
Both men face multiple charges, including grand theft of a firearm
The gun has been recovered, and the deputy will likely face a review

Deputy’s Oversight Leads to Dangerous Situation

A Seminole County deputy’s moment of distraction has resulted in a potentially dangerous situation. The officer, who remains unnamed, left his service weapon in a RaceTrac gas station restroom in Oviedo, Florida. The incident occurred around 5:30 pm when the deputy placed his gun belt over the railing while using the facilities.

The firearm in question was a Sig Sauer P320, valued at approximately $600. After using the restroom, the deputy left the store to respond to a call, unaware that he had left his weapon behind. It wasn’t until later that he realized his gun was missing, setting off a chain of events that would expose serious lapses in protocol and public safety.

Florida deputy's gun sold for $40 after he left it in gas station bathroom: reports https://t.co/b6TCgenh0C pic.twitter.com/CvulPReDnC

— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) September 3, 2024

Opportunistic Theft and Quick Sale

Two men, identified as Damari Dennis, 23, and Chance Byron, 26, discovered the gun in the restroom. According to reports, the weapon was found “sticking out of the toilet paper roll.” Dennis, a convicted felon on probation, reportedly “didn’t want to touch it because he was on probation.”

“A Seminole County deputy’s gun was taken from a RaceTrac restroom in Oviedo after he left it there while using the facilities,” according to local news coverage.

However, surveillance footage showed Byron leaving the store “with a noticeable bulge showing on the right side of his waist.” The two men then made the ill-advised decision to sell the firearm for a mere “$40 via a CashApp,” demonstrating a concerning disregard for the law and public safety.

Legal Consequences and Recovery

The quick sale of the weapon did not go unnoticed by authorities. Both Dennis and Byron now face multiple charges, including grand theft of a firearm. Dennis, described by the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office as a “violent felony offender,” faces an additional charge of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. His bail has been set at $35,000 for various charges.

“The firearm has since been recovered,” reported the Tampa Bay Times.

Fortunately, law enforcement was able to recover the weapon, mitigating potential risks to public safety. The suspects were identified through a license plate search, highlighting the importance of thorough investigative work. Both men are scheduled to appear in court on October 8 to face the charges against them.

Implications for Law Enforcement Accountability

This incident raises serious questions about law enforcement protocols and accountability. The deputy who left the gun behind will likely face a review by the department’s professional standards division. It’s expected that he will undergo a disciplinary investigation to address this lapse in judgment and procedure.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with carrying a service weapon. It also highlights the potential dangers when firearms fall into the wrong hands, even briefly. As this situation unfolds, it will undoubtedly prompt discussions about improving safety measures and accountability within law enforcement agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future.