Staff Report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Early this morning, authorities arrested 18-year-old Jose Luis Silverio Diaz for possessing a firearm as an adjudicated delinquent.

The incident unfolded at approximately 2:47 a.m. on March 31, when an officer from the Gainesville Police Department observed a vehicle running a red light at the crossroads of SW 16th Avenue and SW 13th Street. The vehicle also lacked a working tag light, prompting the officer to initiate a traffic stop.

Upon approaching the car, the officer noted that Silverio Diaz was the sole occupant. The officer observed him reaching under his seat and heard what sounded like metal clinking. Silverio Diaz was instructed to raise his hands and place them outside the window, which he did, before being escorted out of the vehicle.

During the stop, an officer reportedly noticed a part of a pistol protruding from beneath the driver’s seat. A Glock 22, loaded with 19 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition, was subsequently discovered under the seat.

Back in 2021, Silverio Diaz was adjudicated guilty of vehicle burglary as a juvenile, which legally bars him from possessing a firearm until he turns 24. Court records indicate he is currently enrolled at a charter school aimed at helping high school dropouts earn their diplomas.

Silverio Diaz has been charged with possession of a firearm by a delinquent under 24 years of age. He has juvenile convictions between 2021 and 2025, but no adult criminal convictions; he completed his probation in the 2021 case in August 2025. Judge Adam Lee set bail at $50,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.