A 13-year-old boy was arrested after being accused of flashing a gun and stealing a scooter from a child under 12 in Cape Coral.
The Cape Coral Police Department said Jiovanni Peguero, 13, was arrested on Tuesday and is facing multiple charges.
Officers responded to reports of a robbery near a home in northeast Cape Coral on Tuesday. According to the press release, the incident involved the theft of an electric scooter at gunpoint by Peguero.
A 12-year-old child was playing outside with their scooter when Peguero, according to CCPD, approached them and asked to try it out.
After the child denied Peguero from riding it, police said he flashed a black handgun tucked in his waistband.
The victim then allowed Peguero to ride the scooter, which he then reportedly drove away from the scene. The scooter was valued at $400.
After watching Ring camera footage, officers said they identified Peguero from prior interactions. Police went to Peguero's home and spoke with his parents, who reportedly confirmed that he had run away hours earlier.
While officers were talking to Peguero's guardians, CCPD said they received a second call regarding him after he was seen threatening another child at Burton Park.
According to the release, Peguero was detained by multiple concerned fathers. Police said they found the loaded gun in his waistband, which matched the first victim's description.
Officers arrived on the scene and detectives said they were able to confirm Peguero was involved in two different scenes involving a firearm.
Peguero was arrested and is facing the following charges:
- One count of robbery with a firearm (First-degree felony)
- Two counts of minor in possession of a firearm
- Two counts of improper exhibition of a firearm
- One count of aggravated assault