HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A Hillsborough County middle school student was arrested Monday morning after being found with a taser in her purse.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) reported that a School Resource deputy received a tip about a student “spark testing” a taser at a bus stop.
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An administrative search revealed the weapon in 13-year-old Jalexy Mendoza’s possession.
Deputies learned that Mendoza had borrowed the taser from a family member, intending to use it against another student with whom she had a dispute.
Mendoza is charged with Possession of a Weapon on School Property. The investigation is ongoing.
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“It is unacceptable that someone would bring a weapon to school to terrorize another student,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Thanks to the quick actions of our School Resource deputy, we were able to prevent a potentially dangerous situation. Let me be clear: we will pursue every tip and do whatever it takes to keep our schools safe.”
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