NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — Investigators in New Smyrna Beach say a 16-year-old was arrested Thursday after deputies accused him of pointing a gun at crowds on the beach.

New Smyrna Beach law enforcement leaders are now warning about the consequences of this type of behavior, particularly on a weekend that combines St. Patrick's Day and spring break.

What You Need To Know

  • Investigators in New Smyrna Beach arrested a 16-year-old on Thursday after he was allegedly seen pointing a gun at crowds on the beach

  • Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said this year is the first time Volusia County deputies are on the beach for spring break

  • Chitwood said there will be zero tolerance for the kind of behavior the teen is accused of

On Thursday, five minutes of panic were all captured on a Volusia County Sheriff’s deputy body camera video, which showed deputies chasing the 16-year-old toward the water at around 3:45 p.m.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said his office and police from different agencies are working toward a mission to keep everyone safe during Spring Break.

“The goal, though, is to stop us from becoming Miami Beach," he said. "That's the ultimate goal. We do not want to become like Miami Beach.”

Chitwood says this is the first spring break that Volusia County deputies have been on the beach proactively policing on foot.

He said the deputies ran across the incident while patrolling the beach north of Flagler Avenue where hundreds of spring breakers were present.

“This year, we are fully staffed and we decided to change the model," Chitwood said. "Let's get out on foot. Let's get out on bike. Let's get into these crowds and see what's going on."

“If you come here and act a fool, we are going to act swiftly and we are going to be harsh,” he added.

Chitwood said there will be zero tolerance for the kind of behavior the 16-year-old is accused of. The State Attorney's Office announced Friday that they would be charging the teen as an adult.

"This 16-year-old brought drugs and a gun to Volusia County during Spring Break," State Attorney R.J. Larizza said. "He will now face adult charges and serious consequences for his reckless actions. We welcome Spring Breakers, so long as they behave themselves."

Isaac Binda, manager at Breakers Restaurant on Flagler Avenue, said he was a few yards away from the scene where the incident with the gun happened Thursday.

“I’m a New Smyrna native and I hate seeing what’s happening in New Smyrna,” he said. “A 16-year-old kid with a gun — where I used to play as a baby. It’s an insult. It’s a slap in the face of the locals.”

Chitwood said his deputies will make life uncomfortable for people who decide to be unruly on the beach, adding that more deputies will be on the streets and working overtime this weekend.

“There's going to be over 80 law enforcement officers in that area,” Chitwood said.

Binda said he’s already noticed the heightened police presence.

“I’ve seen them on four wheelers," he said. "I’ve seen them on golf carts."

Chitwood said that while New Smyrna Beach is already inundated with teenagers for spring break, right now this isn't college kids causing trouble. The overwhelming majority, he said, are high school kids.

“Sadly, to say from Orange County schools right now, because Orange County is on break," Chitwood said. "But this will change as the counties that go on to surround us as they go on spring break."

The 16-year-old, who is not being named due to his age, has been charged with six felonies and two misdemeanors. Chitwood said the teen was already facing seven outstanding warrants from Orange County.