Student Mistook Cell Phone For Gun At High School: Tampa Police

TAMPA, FL — Reports of a gun at Tampa’s Freedom High School Friday morning were unfounded and no credible threat was determined at the school after investigators learned a student mistook a cell phone for a gun, authorities said.

Officers responded to campus just before 9:30 a.m. after a student reported seeing a student on campus who was possibly armed with a gun, according to a Tampa Police Department news release.

The reporting student immediately shared their concern with a teacher, who then notified the School Resource Officer.

The student in question, who did not make any threats to the school or any individual, was found in the school gym carrying a cell phone case made with a replica handgun attached, police said.

"We understand that news like this is deeply concerning and can cause anxiety for parents and the entire community," Chief Lee Bercaw said. "Thankfully, in this case, there was no active threat. We appreciate the swift action of the student and teacher in reporting this concern. Their actions are a testament to the importance of ‘See Something, Say Something.' We urge all parents to take this opportunity to talk with your children about school safety, what is appropriate to bring to school, and the importance of reporting anything that seems suspicious."

In response to the original report, police deployed multiple officers to the high school, including the Tampa Police Aviation Unit.

The school was placed on “Lockout” status as officers conducted a thorough search of the campus and surrounding area to determine if there was any credible threat, police said.

This remains an active investigation and charges may be forthcoming, the department said.