TAMPA, Fla. — Classes have resumed at a school in Lakeland after a 15-year-old boy reportedly brought a gun on campus and threatened another student.
In a message sent to families, a Polk County School District spokesman confirmed a student was in custody after reportedly bringing a firearm to Tenoroc High School on Wednesday morning.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said a student tipped off the school resource deputy at around 8 a.m., telling them a student brought a gun to campus. The sheriff’s office said the deputy found the gun in the teenager’s jacket pocket after removing him from his classroom.
Deputies said the gun was a black and tan semi-automatic pistol with a laser attached. The gun was not loaded, but deputies said they found a Glock 9 mm magazine in the boy’s pants pocket.
The sheriff’s office said the gun did not have a serial number or any identifying markers.
Deputies said they later learned the 15-year-old threatened a student in the school bathroom. The victim reportedly told deputies the suspect followed him around the bathroom and threatened to shoot him. He allegedly reached into his jacket and pulled out the gun.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said the student was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm on school campus, carrying a concealed firearm, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, disruption of a school function, possession of a firearm by someone under 18, and possession of a firearm with an altered serial number.
“We always encourage our students and staff to report any suspicious or dangerous situations, which allows us to work with law enforcement to respond immediately,” the district said in a message to parents. “Again, everyone is safe at Tenoroc High, and we are proceeding with the normal school day.”
