Deputies made a quick arrest after a good Samaritan reported a young man brandishing a black semiautomatic handgun in a Canyon Country apartment complex.

A 17-year-old gang member was found in the vicinity of Fahren Court and Red Bud Place on Friday, said Deputy Josh Dubin of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.

“Deputies drove to the area after being flagged down by multiple concerned citizens,” Dubin said. “Deputies saw the juvenile holding the gun and then requested backup after the suspect fled the scene.”

The alleged gunman’s identity is not being released because he’s a minor, officials said.

The suspect is in custody at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station. He is being charged with brandishing a firearm and methamphetamine possession.

Two helicopters were used at one point to look for the suspect.

The suspect was caught after he poked his head out from around a corner, where he thought deputies were no longer looking for him, Dubin said.

One of the deputies had the area contained while the others were looking for the suspects, Sheriff’s officials said.

“When deputies arrived at the scene, numerous witnesses and one of the deputies spotted the teenager running north toward the wash. A deputy was able to confirm that the suspect was armed,” said Lt. Mark Hershey of the Santa Clarita Valley  Sheriff’s Station.

The 17 year old has been arrested numerous times before, according to officials.

“Deputies are still looking for the black semiautomatic pistol,” Hershey said. “If anyone sees it, don’t touch it and call the station at 661-255-1121.”

Original story:

Santa Clarita Valley sheriff’s deputies are searching the Jake’s Way area in Canyon Country for a man who brandished a gun in an apartment complex in the vicinity of Fahren Court and Sumac Court.

Several local residents flagged down a sheriff’s deputy shortly after noon to say the man was waving a gun around. He is described as Hispanic with a bald head, wearing a white T-shirt.

More deputies arrived at the scene and one of them spotted the man running north toward the wash. He was able to confirm that the suspect was armed.