Boy, 16, Brought BB Gun To Tampa High School: Hillsborough Sheriff

TAMPA, FL — A student faces charges after bringing a BB gun to a Tampa high school Wednesday, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office news release.

The 16-year-old boy was arrested after the sheriff’s office received a tip about a student bringing a gun to Wharton High School. He was charged with possession of a weapon on school property.

Though the agency has named the suspect, it’s Patch policy not to name a minor who has been charged as a juvenile. It’s unknown whether the teen was charged as a juvenile or an adult.

An HCSO school resource deputy assigned to the school received a tip around 9 a.m. from a concerned parent about a student potentially having a gun on campus.

During a search, a BB gun was found tucked in the student’s waistband, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies learned that the boy displayed the BB gun in his waistband to multiple students, representing it as a gun, and telling them that “he always carries a stick” on him.

"I am absolutely incensed that any student would bring anything resembling a firearm onto school grounds, instilling fear and panic into their peers," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "We take every threat seriously, and I am grateful for the brave students and concerned parent who alerted us, allowing us to take quick action to protect everyone at Wharton High School. Let this serve as a clear message: there are serious consequences for anyone who threatens the safety of our schools."