MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (SNN TV) — A 16-year-old Southeast High School student has been arrested, accused of bringing a gun to school on Monday, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators say the student was being searched for a vaping device, when school administrators discovered a handgun inside their fanny pack.
“School officials immediately called our school resource officer, who came down there, secured the weapon, and at this point, the student was being detained,” said Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Randy Warren.
According to MCSO, prior to the gun being discovered, no threats were made about a shooting or violence to anyone at the school.
“It’s very concerning, because we don’t know what the intentions are. What could’ve happened if somebody had made him mad,” Warren said.
Investigators say because the student was in custody, the school did not have a shelter-in-place.
“There was no intelligence that we received a forewarning that there was going to be a shooting or any violence at the school, so we don’t believe that this student was a part of something that was being planned,” said Warren. “Just made a huge mistake by bringing this onto school campus.”
In a statement to SNN, Superintendent Dr. Jason Wysong said “I am saddened by the dangerous decision of a student at Southeast High School to bring a weapon onto campus. It is essential that all of our students and parents understand that one poor choice of such a serious nature will result in life-altering legal and educational consequences.”
Investigators say the teen is charged with Possession of a Firearm on School Property.
MCSO says they are still investigating where the student got the gun, and why they had it on school property.
If you have any information, you’re asked to contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at (941)747-3011.
