DOVER, Fla. – A 15-year-old student at Strawberry Crest High School was arrested on Tuesday after he was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun and a knife on school grounds. The arrest followed a routine administrative search prompted by school officials observing the student vaping.
The incident began at approximately 11:23 a.m. when the student, Miguel Gallegos, was seen leaving a restroom with a vape, a violation of school policy. In accordance with safety protocols, the school administration initiated a search.
During the search, the student was uncooperative, necessitating the assistance of a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) School Resource Deputy. As the deputy attempted to search, Gallegos allegedly resisted and attempted to grab the deputy’s agency-issued firearm. He was subsequently taken into custody and placed in handcuffs.
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A search of Gallegos’ backpack recovered a loaded handgun and a knife. Authorities also noted that the serial number on the recovered firearm had been altered.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister commended the deputy’s quick response.
“Our deputy acted quickly to prevent any potential harm, and this case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious activity,” said Sheriff Chronister. “Let me be clear: bringing weapons onto school grounds is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We encourage parents, students, and staff to work together to keep our schools safe.”
Gallegos was arrested and is facing multiple serious charges, including:
- Possession of a Firearm on School Grounds
- Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds
- Minor in Possession of a Firearm
- Resisting Without Violence
- Altering a Serial Number on a Firearm
The incident remains an active investigation by the HCSO.
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