A 34-year-old convicted felon from Daytona Beach, Florida, named Robert Suggs, was arrested for attempted entry into the Volusia County courthouse with a stolen gun and meth pipe. Suggs was out on bond for felony animal cruelty when the incident occurred. He now faces charges of possession of a firearm by a state felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, grand theft of a firearm, and concealing a firearm. The event unfolded at the Volusia County Justice Center, where Suggs was stopped at a security checkpoint after officers noticed a loaded handgun in his backpack.
According to an affidavit obtained by FOX 35 in Orlando, Suggs claimed the gun was not his and that he planned to return it to a friend whose real name and address he couldn’t provide. Additionally, security found a small folding knife, razor knife, felt marker pens, a cell phone, clothing, and a laptop computer in Suggs’ backpack. When officers conducted a pat-down, they discovered a small glass pipe with burnt residue that tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine in his pocket. Suggs explained that he found the pipe near the courthouse and believed it contained methamphetamine.
Despite claiming he was at the courthouse to visit the public defender’s office, it was discovered that Suggs did not have an appointment. Deputies were able to ascertain that the Ruger .22 caliber handgun in Suggs’ possession had been stolen. The sheriff’s office commended the court security team for their vigilance in identifying the loaded firearm in Suggs’ possession and preventing a potentially dangerous situation from unfolding. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough security measures in public buildings to ensure the safety of staff and visitors.
Suggs’ case highlights the challenges that law enforcement faces in dealing with individuals who are in possession of illegal firearms and drugs, especially in sensitive locations such as courthouses. The presence of a loaded firearm in a courthouse poses a significant risk to the safety of everyone within the building, underscoring the need for robust security protocols and vigilant personnel. Suggs’ actions also raise questions about his motives for attempting to enter the courthouse with a stolen gun and drug paraphernalia, as well as his credibility in providing false information about the firearm.
The incident involving Robert Suggs serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers posed by individuals with criminal histories who attempt to access secure facilities with illegal weapons and drugs. It underscores the critical role of law enforcement agencies and security personnel in identifying and apprehending individuals who pose a threat to public safety. By swiftly responding to the situation and apprehending Suggs, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office demonstrated their commitment to maintaining a safe environment for courthouse staff and visitors. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in preventing criminal activity and protecting communities from harm.
The arrest of Robert Suggs highlights the importance of effective security measures and protocols in preventing dangerous incidents from occurring in public buildings such as courthouses. Suggs’ attempt to enter the Volusia County courthouse with a stolen gun and meth pipe underscores the need for vigilance and diligence in screening individuals for prohibited items. The swift response by security officers in identifying the loaded firearm and drug paraphernalia in Suggs’ possession prevented a potentially hazardous situation from unfolding, showcasing the critical role of law enforcement in maintaining public safety. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats posed by individuals with criminal histories and illegal weapons, underscoring the need for robust security measures to safeguard public spaces.
