3 Teens Arrested After Pointing BB Guns At Hillsborough Sheriff's Helicopter

LUTZ, FL — Three teenagers were arrested early Saturday in Lutz after what appeared to be rifles were pointed at a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office helicopter responding to a call about prowlers, deputies said in a news release.

Deputies responded to the area of East 148th Avenue around 1:40 a.m.

Before they arrived, a 911 caller reported seeing three individuals walking through the neighborhood carrying what were thought to be rifles.

The HCSO Aviation Unit responded and pilots found the three individuals, who then pointed their firearms directly at the helicopter before going inside a nearby home, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies on the ground gave commands for the three suspects, Jertrell Hamilton, 19, and two 15-year-olds, to exit the residence, and all three complied without incident.

While the sheriff’s office named the two 15-year-old suspects, it’s Patch policy not to name minors who are accused of a crime unless they’re charged as an adult. It’s not known whether they were charged as juveniles or adults.

During the investigation, it was determined the weapons were BB guns, according to the sheriff's office.

All three teenagers were arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon.

"Our deputies make split-second decisions every day to protect this community, and we have zero tolerance for anyone who points what appears to be a weapon at them, whether they're on the ground or in the air," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "If you aim what looks like a rifle at one of our deputies or our Aviation Unit, expect our immediate response and to be held fully accountable for your actions."

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