RIVERVIEW, Fla. – A Spoto High School student was arrested on Monday after being caught with a loaded handgun on school grounds, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).
The incident occurred on October 14, 2025, at approximately 11:15 a.m. School administrators and an HCSO School Resource Deputy were alerted by a tip that a student, later identified as Charles Lanorris Wallace Jr., 16, was in possession of a firearm on campus.
Upon making contact with the student, deputies conducted a search of his backpack. They discovered a pistol with a loaded magazine containing seven 9mm rounds. Authorities noted that while the magazine was loaded, there was no round in the chamber of the firearm.
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Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister commended the swift and coordinated response of the school staff and the HCSO deputy, stating their actions prevented a potential tragedy.
“I am thankful for the quick actions of our deputy and the school staff. Their response stopped a potentially dangerous situation before anyone was harmed,” said Sheriff Chronister.
He also issued a warning to the community: “Let me be clear: weapons will never be tolerated in our schools. Parents, talk to your children and make sure they understand that bringing a weapon to school is not only illegal, it puts lives at risk.”
Wallace Jr. was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds. The HCSO Public Affairs Office confirmed that the investigation is active and ongoing.
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