Skip to main content
Clear icon
69º

Another spring break arrest in New Smyrna Beach after 18-year-old found with pistol, police say

Ronny Bengochea-Chinea, 18, faces charge of carrying concealed firearm

Ronny Bengochea-Chinea, 18 (Port Orange Police Department)

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Port Orange police working in New Smyrna Beach alongside local officers during spring break arrested an 18-year-old man on Friday after a handgun was found inside of the vehicle he was driving, according to a statement.

Ronny Bengochea-Chinea, 18, of Lakeland, faces a charge of carrying a concealed firearm, records show. Port Orange police say they located the handgun — as well as marijuana and an extended magazine — after stopping Bengochea-Chinea and his 16-year-old passenger.

Recommended Videos



Bengochea-Chinea was taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail where he was held overnight on $2,500 bond, records show. The 16-year-old who was with Bengochea-Chinea was taken to the Volusia Family Resource Center, police said.

The New Smyrna Beach Police Department shared a photo on Facebook, reposted by Port Orange police, that shows what officers said is the inside of the vehicle.

Photo shared on Facebook by the New Smyrna Beach Police Department showing a gun and an extended magazine located by Port Orange officers who stopped a vehicle on Friday. (cropped) (Port Orange Police Department)

Bengochea-Chinea’s first appearance in court was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Saturday.

In Florida, per state statutes and with few exceptions, only those 21 and older may be eligible for a concealed firearms license. HB 543, which was signed into law last year by Gov. Ron DeSantis, does authorize Florida residents to carry a concealed handgun without such a license, but it does not apply to those who would otherwise not qualify for the license in the first place.

Officers noted this arrest occurred a day after 16-year-old Felixander Solis-Guzman, also of Lakeland, was arrested after allegedly pulling a gun in a spring break crowd at New Smyrna Beach.


Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: