A juvenile and a 19-year-old were arrested Saturday following an investigation involving a stolen firearm at Northwoods Mall, according to the North Charleston Police Department.
Police said the juvenile was charged with possession of a firearm by a person under 18.
Meanwhile, Shawn Nisar Barnett, 19, of Walterboro, was charged with receiving stolen goods under $1,000 and simple possession of marijuana.
K-9 Alerted Officers During Patrol
According to the incident report, around 7:30 p.m. an officer working an off-duty assignment at Northwoods Mall was conducting foot patrol with the mall’s security K-9 unit when they were approached by three males.
Police said the group began asking questions about the K-9 officer’s dog when the animal alerted officers to the possible presence of a firearm.
The officer also reportedly smelled marijuana coming from one of the individuals.
Juvenile Suspect Ran Through Mall
Following the K-9 alert, officers instructed the individuals to stay in place while they investigated possible firearms or narcotics possession.
During the investigation, one juvenile suspect allegedly ran through the mall while reportedly armed.
Authorities said dispatch was notified immediately, and the juvenile was quickly taken into custody.
Stolen Handgun Found
Investigators identified Shawn Nisar Barnett as one of the remaining suspects.
During a search, officers reportedly found a handgun in Barnett’s pants pocket.
Police later determined the firearm had been reported stolen out of Berkeley County.
The investigation remains ongoing.
