A Halloween prank turned dangerously real in St. Johns County, Florida, when a 17-year-old boy dressed in a jail inmate costume was arrested after allegedly brandishing a loaded handgun while trick-or-treating.  

According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the teen was spotted waving the weapon in the Las Calinas neighborhood on Halloween night. Deputies quickly responded, with bodycam footage showing officers chasing and tackling the suspect in a wooded area after he attempted to flee. The agency’s air unit assisted using thermal imaging to track the teen in the dark, and the firearm was later recovered nearby.  

Authorities confirmed the juvenile faces multiple felony charges, including possession of a firearm by a minor and improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon. No injuries were reported during the arrest.  

Sheriff’s officials emphasized the serious risks of mixing realistic costumes with real firearms, especially in public during events like Halloween. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly imitation can turn into crisis when weapons are involved.