Student Brought Loaded Gun To Tampa High School: Hillsborough Sheriff

TAMPA, FL — A 16-year-old boy was arrested for bringing a loaded gun to Leto High School in Tampa, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office news release.

A school resource deputy contacted the student on campus on Monday, just before 8:30 a.m., after a school administrator noticed “a suspicious bulge between (the teen’s) arm and ribcage,” the sheriff’s office said.

A search found that he had a loaded handgun with 15 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber.

Though HCSO named the teen, it’s Patch policy not to name minors accused of a crime unless they’ve been charged as an adult. It’s unknown whether he has been charged as a juvenile or an adult.

The student was charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds and as a minor in possession of a firearm.

"I can't stress this enough: bringing a gun to school is not only dangerous, it's unacceptable. One bad decision could have changed lives forever today. Thankfully, the school staff and our deputy acted quickly to stop a potential tragedy," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "This reckless behavior will not be tolerated, and we will ensure that anyone who endangers our schools is held accountable."