On August 8, 2025, Clermont Police detectives made a notable breakthrough in a case involving Christopher Rizzo’s guns, leading to the arrest of 19-year-old Christopher Rizzo, a Clermont resident, and his accomplice, 19-year-old Sidney Rogers from Winter Garden.
The arrests followed a tense chase in the early morning hours, uncovering stolen firearms and shedding light on a string of criminal activities.
The incident began in the 700 block of Juniata Road, where detectives observed Rizzo and Rogers acting suspiciously as they returned on foot to Rizzo’s residence.
When officers attempted to approach the duo, both men fled, prompting a swift pursuit.
Clermont Police quickly detained the pair, showing their determination to keep the community safe.
Following the chase, detectives conducted an on-scene investigation, which led to a search warrant for Rizzo’s residence and vehicle.
Their efforts paid off when they uncovered critical evidence that would unravel the case.
The search revealed five handguns, two of which were confirmed stolen in prior incidents.
For Rizzo, a convicted felon with a history of run-ins with the law, the discovery of these firearms was particularly damning.
As a felon, Rizzo is legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, making the Christopher Rizzo guns a central piece of evidence in the case.
Rizzo’s criminal record paints a picture of repeated offenses.
In April 2024, he was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, with a bond set at $5,000.
Just a few months earlier, in February 2025, he faced charges for fleeing and eluding law enforcement and reckless driving, with a bond of $3,000.
These prior arrests highlight a pattern of disregard for the law, culminating in the recent charges tied to the stolen guns.
Charges Pile Up for Rizzo and Rogers
Following the investigation into the incident on August 8, 2025, in Clermont, Florida, 19-year-old Christopher Rizzo faces multiple serious charges that highlight his alleged involvement in firearm-related crimes and evasion of law enforcement.
These include possession of firearms and ammunition by a felon, which under Florida Statute 790.23 makes it unlawful for a convicted felon to own, possess, or control any firearm or ammunition, a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
He is also charged with resisting an officer, specifically without violence under Florida Statute 843.02, a first-degree misdemeanor for obstructing or opposing a law enforcement officer in their duties, carrying penalties of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Grand theft auto refers to the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, classified as a third-degree felony in Florida, regardless of the vehicle’s value, with potential sentences of up to five years imprisonment.
Burglary of an unoccupied conveyance involves entering a vehicle or vessel without permission with intent to commit a crime, a third-degree felony under Florida Statute 810.02, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Petit theft covers the theft of property valued between $100 and $750, a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida with up to one year in jail.
Finally, grand theft of a firearm is a third-degree felony for stealing a gun, carrying up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine, emphasizing the severity of firearm offenses in the state.
Sidney Rogers, also 19 and a former standout athlete at West Orange High School, where he excelled as a wide receiver and safety in the #10 jersey, faces a similar set of charges, excluding the firearm possession ones: resisting an officer, grand theft auto, burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, and petit theft.
Rogers’ involvement represents a surprising and disappointing turn for the young athlete, whose promising football background has now been eclipsed by these allegations tied to the same criminal activities as Rizzo, potentially derailing his future and underscoring how quickly poor decisions can lead to legal consequences.
Stolen firearms and the Arrest of Two Young Men have Raised Concerns in Clermont and Winter Garden
The Christopher Rizzo gun case highlights the importance of sharp policing and community awareness.
Clermont Police’s quick response prevented potentially dangerous weapons from remaining in the wrong hands, but the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in tackling crime.
Detectives also recovered additional evidence during the search, though specific details have not been released.
The case remains under investigation, with authorities working to determine the full extent of Rizzo and Rogers’ activities.
As the legal process unfolds, both Rizzo and Rogers will face the consequences of their actions.
For Rizzo, the Christopher and Sidney case adds to an already troubled history, while Rogers’ involvement has stunned those who knew him as a talented athlete.
The Clermont Police Department continues to urge residents to report suspicious activity, emphasizing their commitment to keeping the streets safe.
