Teen Arrested After Rifle Found in Car Trunk on Valentine's Day

Laredo Police say the 17-year-old driver was charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A 17-year-old driver was arrested in Laredo, Texas after a .556 caliber black long rifle was found in the trunk of the Cadillac he was driving during a traffic stop on Valentine's Day. The teen was charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon, a Class A misdemeanor, and the vehicle was impounded.

Why it matters

The discovery of a high-powered rifle in a vehicle during a routine traffic stop raises concerns about public safety and the accessibility of firearms, especially among younger individuals. Laredo has seen an increase in gun-related incidents in recent years, making this arrest noteworthy.

The details

According to the Laredo Police Department, an officer pulled over the black 2018 Cadillac ATS driven by the 17-year-old for a traffic violation around 1:26 a.m. on February 14th. During a search of the vehicle, the officer found a Ballistic Advantage Model DC P3 .556 caliber black long rifle in the trunk. The teen driver was arrested and charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon, a Class A misdemeanor. The two other passengers in the vehicle were released without incident, and the Cadillac was impounded.

  • The traffic stop occurred around 1:26 a.m. on February 14, 2026.
  • The teen driver was released from Webb County Jail two days later after posting an $8,000 bond.

The players

Laredo Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that made the arrest and provided details about the incident.

17-year-old driver

The teen who was arrested and charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon after the rifle was found in the trunk of the Cadillac he was driving.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether to allow the 17-year-old driver to be released on bail at a hearing next week.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Laredo faces in addressing gun violence and the accessibility of firearms, especially among younger individuals. It raises questions about the effectiveness of current laws and policies in preventing such incidents and ensuring public safety.