TAMPA, Fla. – An 11-year-old student was found to have a loaded handgun on school property today at Monroe Middle School.
Police say that another student told school administrators that his classmate had a gun in his backpack.
The Tampa Police Department School Resource Officer was informed and immediately removed the boy from class. A loaded handgun was found in his backpack.
There was no threat made to any individual or the school. The boy was charged with Minor in Possession of a Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, and Possession of a Firearm on School Property.
He will be transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center.
“I am proud of the student who stepped up and said something to keep others safe”, said Chief Brian Dugan. “We need everyone in our community to learn from the actions of this brave student. I ask anyone who has information on someone who should not have a gun to tell us, tell Crimestoppers, or tell anyone who will let us know”.