Montgomery County Police 3rd District Commander Jason Cokinos announced Sunday that officers arrested a juvenile in downtown Silver Spring who was found carrying a loaded AR-style ghost gun in his backpack.
According to police, 3rd District officers were dispatched to the CVS in the 800 block of Wayne Avenue for a reported shoplifting incident. When officers arrived, they quickly spotted the suspect, who attempted but failed to evade them.
During the arrest, officers discovered a loaded AR pistol chambered in .223 caliber ammunition inside the suspect’s backpack. The firearm was identified as a privately made firearm (PMF), commonly referred to as a “ghost gun,” with no serial numbers. The juvenile was taken into custody. Police said the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) will determine the next steps in the case.
We will provide an update if additional verified information becomes available.
Juvenile shoplifter caught with a loaded AR pistol “ghost gun” in his backpack 😳
This evening your @mcpnews 3rd District officers were dispatched to a shoplifting (theft) that just occurred at the CVS in the 800 block of Wayne Avenue in downtown Silver Spring.
Officers were… pic.twitter.com/xjTuufBCgN
— MCPD 3D Commander (@MCPD3DCommander) September 22, 2025
