On September 1, 2023, Tampa Police arrested a 16-year-old student after officers located a stolen 9-millimeter firearm (loaded) and more than 20 rounds of ammunition in the student’s backpack.
Hillsborough High School faculty received a tip about a student vaping in one of the restrooms. The faculty identified the exact location and escorted the student to the office. Upon knowledge that his backpack would be searched, he contacted another student who came to get the backpack and remove it from his possession.
The assigned School Resource Officer (SRO) was able to locate the other student and backpack.
While inside the bathroom, a search revealed a black Sig Sauer P320 9 mm handgun, 22 rounds of ammunition, and marijuana.
Prior to the discovery, there was no indication that there was an armed subject on the school’s campus. While this remains an active investigation, currently nothing suggests the student had the intention to harm anyone on the campus using the stolen firearm.
“Back in June, we made it very clear that a juvenile who illegally possesses a firearm will face serious consequences,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “We’re fortunate that no one was hurt, but let this be a stark reminder for students who think bringing a firearm onto the school’s campus is a good idea – it’s not, and there are adult consequences as a result of adult decisions.”
The student was was transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) and charged with three felonies (F) and one misdemeanor (M): Illegal Possession of Stolen Property (F), Illegal Possession of a Firearm on School Campus (F), Defacing a Firearm (F), and Obstruction with an Investigation (M) and Possession of Cannabis Less Than 20 Grams