TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Freedom High School in Tampa was under lockdown on Friday after reports of an armed person on campus.
The Tampa Police Department said there were no reports of injuries or shots fired at the school and the lockdown was lifted later that morning.
A student told their teacher they saw another student possibly armed with a gun. Tampa police discovered the student’s cellphone case had a replica handgun attached to it.
“We understand that news like this is deeply concerning and can cause anxiety for parents and the entire community,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement. “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.”
Tampa police said the student, who did not make any threats toward the school, may face charges as their investigation progresses.