Florida Felon Arrested for Attempting to Enter Courthouse with Loaded Gun and Meth Pipe

A Daytona Beach, Florida man with a criminal record has been apprehended at a Volusia County courthouse while attempting to enter with a stolen firearm and a meth pipe for a non-existent appointment, as reported by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

The Arrest and Charges

The individual, 34-year-old Robert Suggs, was already out on bond for a felony animal cruelty charge when he was arrested at the Volusia County Justice Center on a Friday. He now faces multiple charges, including possession of a firearm by a state felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, grand theft of a firearm, and concealing a firearm.

Security Checkpoint Incident

Suggs was stopped at the security checkpoint after officers noticed a handgun in his backpack. The gun was found to be loaded with one round in the chamber and seven others in the magazine. An affidavit revealed that Suggs spontaneously claimed the gun did not belong to him and that he intended to return it to a "friend," but was unable to provide any details about this friend.

Additional Findings

During the search, officers discovered a small glass pipe with burnt residue in Suggs' pocket, which later tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine. Furthermore, the Ruger .22 caliber handgun in Suggs' possession was found to be stolen, and security personnel also uncovered a small folding knife, razor knife, felt marker pens, a blue Motorola cell phone, clothing, and an HP laptop computer in the backpack.

Plausibility of Claims and Investigation Results

Suggs told deputies that he found the pipe about 200 yards from the courthouse and picked it up because he believed there was methamphetamine inside it. However, further investigation revealed that Suggs did not have an appointment at the courthouse, despite claiming he was there to visit the public defender’s office. This raised further questions about the plausibility of his statements.

Outstanding Court Security

The sheriff's office commended the court security team for their swift actions in apprehending Suggs and preventing a potentially dangerous situation within the courthouse. Their vigilance in detecting the presence of a loaded firearm, drug paraphernalia, and other questionable items helped ensure the safety of court staff and visitors.

Culmination of Events

 The arrest of Robert Suggs at the Volusia County courthouse highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and court security in detecting and apprehending individuals with illegal weapons and drugs. It serves as a reminder of the importance of security protocols in maintaining a safe environment in public places.

Continued Community Vigilance

This incident emphasizes the importance of community vigilance and reporting suspicious behavior. It is essential for residents to remain aware of their surroundings and promptly report any activities that may pose a threat to public safety.