Shock in DeLeon Springs: Florida Toddlers Photographed With Gun, Beer & Weed — Arrest Made Now

DeLeon Springs, Volusia County, Florida – A Florida man, Taylor Knoop (27), was arrested in DeLeon Springs, Volusia County, after allegedly staging shocking photos showing toddlers holding a gun, beer, and marijuana. Deputies said Knoop posed the children, including infants, with a loaded handgun and a pound of marijuana, then shared the images online. When questioned, he reportedly claimed, “It wasn’t my kid.” Investigators also found unsafe conditions inside his home, with exposed wiring and damaged walls. Knoop now faces child neglect and marijuana possession charges, with bond set at $10,000. Authorities urge residents to report, not share, such disturbing content online.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: 27-year-old Taylor Knoop arrested in DeLeon Springs, FL after toddlers were pictured with a gun, beer and marijuana.

• IMPACT: Images included infants and toddlers; at least one picture showed a baby with ~1 lb of marijuana.

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: “It wasn’t my kid,” Knoop allegedly texted in response to concerns.

• ACTION: Anyone who receives or sees similar evidence of child endangerment should contact local law-enforcement or child-welfare agencies immediately.

Hyperlocal Impact

1. Precise Location:
   DeLeon Springs, Volusia County, Florida – near the intersection of S. Clarcona Rd & Spring Garden Rd.

2. Community Connection:
   “I never expected something like this in our quiet area,” said local resident Mary Thompson, owner of Thompson’s Grocery near Spring Garden.

3. Visual Proof:
   

Exclusive Angle

• WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
  Child-neglect and exploitative photo-sharing cases are rising nationally — this case underscores the dangers when images circulate before any intervention.

• DOCUMENTED EVIDENCE:
  

Crisis Response

• IMMEDIATE RESOURCES:
  » Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (Child Protection Unit): (386) 248-1777
  » Florida Department of Children and Families (Hotline): 1-800-962-2873

• OFFICIAL GUIDANCE:
  “If you see images of a child being used in a disturbing way you believe are real, please report them — do not share them further.”
  – Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

Community Pulse

“VOTE: Should social-media platforms be legally required to flag and remove exploitative child content more aggressively?
👍 Yes
👎 No
Sound off in comments – officials are monitoring public feedback.”

Update Log

• 11:30 AM: Knoop arraigned; bond set at $10,000.

• 9:35 AM: Investigation reveals home had exposed wiring and walls in disrepair.