MoCo Police Charge DC Teen As Adult After Uncovering Ghost Gun

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Devonte Carlton Jr., a 17-year-old from D.C., is being charged for possessing what Montgomery County police called a ghost gun.

A release issued by the department on Wednesday said that in addition to the ghost gun charge, Carlton Jr. is facing fourth-degree burglary and obstructing and hindering, among other firearm-related offenses.

The charges all stem from a June 19 incident that took place on the 800 block of Sligo Avenue in Silver Spring.

Video of the encounter can be seen below:

Authorities said Carlton Jr. came under the department's radar after a resident reported a group entering a construction site and gambling inside a stairwell.

At the scene, officers confirmed that the individuals had been "throwing dice with cash on the ground," according to the release.

Police said that when Carlton Jr. attempted to take a "satchel" from the scene, they determined that a loaded 9mm ghost gun had been inside the bag.

Although the teenager initially fled the scene, authorities took him into custody after finding him hiding under a car in a parking lot in the 700 block of Sligo Avenue.

Carlton Jr. remains held without bond.