A convicted felon was detained for reportedly holding a gun in a Leesburg park.
Officers responded to a weapons allegation at John L. Johnson Park, 201 Mills St., around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, according to a Leesburg Police Department arrest report. The complainant mentioned two males, including 30-year-old Darrion Xavier Thomas, and a female in the vicinity.
The female allegedly had a gun and another firearm, and the males exited with her in front of an apartment. The report stated that the group traveled around the park in a silver Jeep SUV.
When the authorities arrived, they discovered the vehicle parking in the park. They were all detained, and Thomas indicated that he had no idea what the authorities were talking about when he was notified of the situation, according to the report.
The male driver stated that there was a rifle in the backseats of the RV and agreed to an officer collecting it. The gun was actually on the floorboard of the backseat, just where Thomas was sitting. The magazine was loaded, but there were no rounds in the chamber, according to the report.
Thomas acknowledged that the rifle was in the backseat, but it was not his. A review of his criminal history revealed a previous felony conviction from June 18, 2025. When an officer brought this up with him, he indicated that he was unaware of the prohibition on possessing or being near a firearm, according to the report.
He then indicated that he was aware the handgun was in the backseat with him. According to the allegation, another occupant placed it there because he expected to be in the backseat for a short period of time.
Thomas was arrested on the accusation of convicted felon in possession of a handgun or ammunition. The New Jersey native was placed into the Lake County Jail and released after posting a $10,000 bond.
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