A 16-year-old was arrested outside the Leesburg Wegmans on Crosstrail Boulevard Wednesday after allegedly stealing items from the store while wearing a BB gun in a hip holster that looked like a real firearm.
Just after noon on May 14, Leesburg Police were called to the scene by store staff who reported a teenager shoplifting and visibly armed. Officers found the teen outside the store with the stolen goods and what appeared to be a semi-automatic handgun. On closer inspection, it turned out to be a Beretta BB gun, but it was a near replica of a real firearm.
The teen was taken into custody without incident and is now held at the Loudoun County Juvenile Detention Center. He’s facing charges for retail theft and for possession of a firearm, because even though the gun was a BB gun, Virginia law allows charges when the replica is realistic enough to be mistaken for a real weapon.
There were no injuries, but police are continuing their investigation.
Leesburg Police are urging parents and guardians to talk with their kids about the very real consequences of carrying anything that even looks like a gun. These situations can quickly escalate, especially in public places like grocery stores.
“Replica guns can cause panic and bring a rapid police response,” the department warned in a statement. “That kind of decision can follow a young person for years.”
No identifying details have been released due to the teen’s age.
