A traffic stop in Key West on March 14 led to the arrest of Vincent Vega, 39, who was found with a significant cache of firearms, ammunition and bomb-making materials.
At about 2:30 p.m., Key West police stopped Vega in the 3800 block of Flagler Avenue for driving 69 mph in a 30-mph zone. During the stop, officers saw a loaded, short-barreled AR-15 rifle in plain view inside Vega’s vehicle. The rifle, with a 7.5-inch barrel, is classified as a federally regulated firearm requiring proper registration. Vega admitted to modifying the weapon and did not possess the necessary tax stamp for legal ownership.
Additionally, Vega showed signs of alcohol consumption. A family member told police that Vega owned a significant number of firearms. He was arrested for possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle and open carrying of a firearm.
Due to concerns for public safety, patrol officers pursued a Risk Protection Order (RPO) to prevent Vega from possessing firearms.
Following the issuance of the RPO, detectives with KWPD’s Criminal Investigations Division obtained a search warrant for Vega’s residence at 1543 4th St., Key West. The warrant, approved by Judge Timothy Koenig, sought to locate firearms, ammunition and related materials.
During the search, officers discovered:
- Some 20 firearms (pistols and rifles).
- 10,000 rounds of ammunition.
- A PVC pipe bomb with a red fuse.
- Multiple electronic storage devices, Faraday bags (which block electromagnetic radiation), and external hard drives.
- Explosive investigation guidebook.
- Chemical materials and tools consistent with manufacturing explosives.
Due to the presence of a potential explosive device, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad was called to the scene. All homes within a 300-foot radius were evacuated for precaution. Further investigation revealed additional items consistent with explosive manufacturing, including potassium chlorate, aluminum shavings and detailed diagrams of Key West’s wastewater and stormwater pump stations.
On March 17, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) assisted with the investigation and determined that the materials seized could be readily assembled into a destructive device, meeting the legal definition of an explosive bomb under federal law.
Based on the investigation, Vega has been charged with possession of a destructive device, illegal possession of a short-barreled rifle and open carrying of a firearm. He remains at the Monroe County Detention on a $1.7 million bond.
This case remains under investigation by KWPD and ATF. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Key West Police Department at 305-809-1000.
The Key West Police Department remains committed to protecting our community from potential threats. This case highlights the importance of vigilant law enforcement and community awareness in ensuring public safety.
City officials confirmed to the Keys Weekly that Vega worked for the Key West Fire Department from September 2014 to June 2023. The Keys Weekly learned that he was employed as an EMT and a firefighter. He was named EMT of the Quarter in March 2016.
The 4th Street home, where the suspect lives, and where the search took place, is owned by Alex and Sarah Vega.
