Rifle-Toting Teen Not Guilty; Jury:’We Upheld Law’

Sean Combs, the Troy 18-year-old arrested for carrying a rifle in downtown Birmingham, was found not guilty Thursday afternoon of brandishing a firearm and disturbing the peace.

After nearly five hours of deliberation on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning at the 48th District Court, many on the seven-member jury were confident in their final decision.

“We upheld the law,” said Rev. Julius DelPino, a jury member from Rochester Hills. “Based on how the law is written, (Combs) was not breaking the law.”

Combs was arrested on April 13 after he was stopped by two Birmingham Police officers while he had his loaded M1 Garand rifle slung over his shoulder. When officers asked for identification, Combs refused.

As an adult, Combs was legally able to carry the rifle — a birthday present from an older brother — and under Michigan law, he wasn’t required to show police ID. However, officers testified Wednesday that Combs appeared very young and upon refusing show ID, Combs caused enough of a disturbance to attract a crowd.

A third charge of obstructing an officer was dismissed Wednesday by Judge Marc Barron due to lack of evidence.-[source]