School officials say a handgun was found in a student’s backpack Wednesday at Sebastian River High School. The weapon was not loaded with ammunition.
“We received a tip regarding a SRHS student who was suspected to have a weapon in their backpack. This student was immediately investigated and questioned by our School Resource Deputies and school officials. Upon investigation of the student, a gun was recovered in their backpack,” a school district spokesperson said.
The student was detained at around 11:30 a.m. by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office and will not return as a student to Sebastian River High School.
“As a reminder, we have zero tolerance for weapons on our campuses, and those in violation of making any and all threats will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted accordingly,” the school district said in a statement.
There were no interruptions on campus, and the school day continued as usual.
“Please continue to remind your students that if they see or hear something that makes them uncomfortable, to report their concern to a trusted adult or use the fortifyFL app for anonymous reporting,” school officials said.
The handgun was reported stolen, according to law enforcement officials.
The student, whose name has been withheld, was charged with grand theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm, and improper exhibition of a firearm. He was taken to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice detention facility in Fort Pierce.
