RIVERVIEW, Fla. – A ninth-grade student at Spoto High School was arrested Thursday after school administrators discovered a weapon in her possession. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrest following a reported verbal altercation between the student and a classmate.
According to authorities, the incident unfolded when school administrators contacted the School Resource Deputy (SRD) regarding a verbal exchange between 15-year-old Di’Naste Gibson and a male classmate.
The altercation, which took place in the presence of an adult witness, reportedly involved Gibson stating to the other student, “We are not going to fight here, let’s go to the park,” and making a threat, “I’m going to kill you.”
Following the verbal exchange, an administrative search of Gibson’s belongings was conducted, which resulted in the discovery of a serrated pocket knife. During a subsequent interview with the SRD, Gibson allegedly admitted to displaying the knife during the confrontation with her classmate.
As a result of the incident, Di’Naste Gibson was taken into custody and has been charged with one count of Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds.
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“Parents, please take the time to speak with your children about the serious consequences of bringing any kind of weapon to school,” Sheriff Chronister stated. “A classroom should be a place for learning and growth, not fear. One poor decision can change a young life forever, and it’s our responsibility—as a community and as parents—to help prevent that.”
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