19-YEAR-OLD ARRESTED AFTER POLICE FIND P90 MACHINE GUN WRAPPED IN TOWEL DIRECTLY BENEATH 11-MONTH-OLD BABY

A routine traffic stop in Florida led to a disturbing discovery when police allegedly found a powerful firearm wrapped in a towel directly beneath an 11-month-old baby secured in a car seat. The weapon was reportedly hidden on the floor of an SUV, just inches away from the infant.

Angel Cruz Garcia, 19, was arrested after officers with the Orlando Police Department discovered the firearm during a search of the vehicle. He faces charges of possessing a concealed firearm as a juvenile delinquent and possessing less than 20 grams of cannabis, according to authorities.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:05 a.m. on October 1, when officers stopped a vehicle near South Goldenrod Road and Hoffner Avenue in Orlando, Florida.

Police have not publicly explained the specific circumstances that initially gave them probable cause to search the vehicle. However, body camera footage released by the department shows officers detaining Garcia before checking on the child in the back of the SUV.

It was during their inspection of the vehicle that officers reportedly discovered the firearm beneath the baby’s car seat.

Gun Allegedly Hidden Beneath the Infant

According to police, the weapon was a black FN Herstal P90, a compact firearm known for its distinctive design and high-capacity magazine. The P90 can accommodate a magazine holding up to 50 cartridges.

Body camera footage reportedly shows the firearm wrapped in what appeared to be a beach towel and positioned directly beneath the car seat occupied by the 11-month-old child.

The discovery raised serious concerns about the potential danger posed by placing a firearm so close to an infant who could not protect themselves or move away from the situation.

Fortunately, authorities did not report any injuries to the child. Officers checked on the infant during the encounter, and the available reports did not indicate that the baby had been physically harmed.

Police have not disclosed the relationship between Garcia and the child, and it remains unclear why the firearm was allegedly being transported in that location.

Previous Juvenile Conviction Becomes Key to the Case

Investigators also uncovered information about Garcia’s criminal history that reportedly affects his legal ability to possess a firearm.

Records reviewed by WESH, a regional NBC affiliate, showed that Garcia had been convicted of an offense as a juvenile. According to the reports, that conviction prohibited him from possessing firearms.

This history is central to the firearm charge Garcia now faces. Authorities have charged him with possession of a concealed firearm by a juvenile delinquent, along with a separate charge involving possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis.

The charges stem from the October traffic stop and the discoveries officers say they made during the search.

Garcia was taken into custody following the incident but has since been released from jail on bond. The allegations against him have not been established as guilt in court.

Police Release Body Camera Footage

The Orlando Police Department later released body camera footage showing portions of the encounter. The video provides a glimpse into the officers’ response as they detained Garcia and examined the back of the SUV.

The footage also documents the officers’ discovery of the firearm near the infant’s car seat, according to reports.

While the baby was not reported injured, the circumstances described by investigators have drawn attention to the potential risks of transporting a concealed firearm in such close proximity to a young child.

An 11-month-old is entirely dependent on adults for safety. The presence of a firearm beneath the child’s seat could have created a serious hazard, particularly during a sudden stop, collision or other unexpected event.

Authorities have not publicly established whether the weapon was loaded at the time it was discovered, nor have they released further details explaining how it came to be beneath the car seat.

Investigation Leaves Questions Unanswered

Several questions remain about the incident, including Garcia’s relationship to the child, the reason for the initial traffic stop and the circumstances surrounding the firearm’s placement in the vehicle.

Police have not reported that the infant suffered any injuries, and Garcia has been released on bond while the case proceeds.

The discovery serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibility adults have when transporting children and the serious legal consequences that can follow when authorities allege that a person prohibited from possessing firearms is found with one.

For now, Garcia faces criminal charges, while investigators and the courts will determine the next steps in the case.

Source: Law&Crime