TAMPA, Fla. – A 15-year-old female student was arrested at Middleton High School on Thursday after being found in possession of a loaded handgun.
The incident occurred after a concerned student alerted the School Resource Officer (SRO) to the presence of a firearm. An administrative search was conducted, and the SRO recovered a loaded .22 caliber handgun from the student, identified as Anabella Fuentes.
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“The safety of our students is our top priority,” said Chief Lee Bercaw of the Tampa Police Department. “Bringing a firearm onto school property is a serious offense that will not be tolerated. We commend the student who came forward and the swift action of our School Resource Officer.”
Fuentes was arrested without incident just before 11:00 a.m. She did not make any threats towards the school, staff, or other students.
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“This quick resolution reinforces the fact that strong partnerships between a vigilant student, school officials, and an engaged School Resource Officer keep our school campuses safe and that situations are addressed immediately,” added Chief Bercaw.
Fuentes was transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center and charged with Possession of a Weapon on School Property.
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