Plant City High School went on lockdown March 13 after school officials received reports of a student with a firearm on campus. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) arrested a 16-year-old student on six charges.
At 8:25 a.m. the school resource deputy and school administrators were notified that a student had a firearm on campus. HCSO said the student approached two other students and demanded cash. Deputies said he threatened to harm them by showing them a firearm in his backpack. One of the victims handed him money.
At around 11:30 the principal sent out a statement to families: “Parents, This is Principal Durrance from Plant City High School calling with an update to our previous message. We remain on lockout as law enforcement continues their investigation. I want to assure you that all students are safe. Earlier this morning, administrators were notified of a robbery involving two students near the front of our school. Reports indicated that a gun was seen in the backpack of the student who initiated the robbery. Out of an abundance of caution, we immediately went into a lockdown. After reviewing video surveillance, investigators confirmed that the student believed to have the firearm had already left campus. Law enforcement will continue their investigation, and we are now in a lock-out. The student has been identified, and we will move forward with discipline in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct. We do not tolerate weapons on campus, and this student will not be returning to our school. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue to prioritize the safety of our students and staff.”
After the incident HCSO said deputies located the student at his residence in Plant City. When asked where the firearm and money was, he told deputies it was at his friend’s house. Deputies went to the friend’s residence and found the money and firearm in a vehicle. The firearm was not loaded and had no ammunition.
The student was arrested and charged with tampering with physical evidence, robbery with a firearm less than $750, disrupting school campus or function, minor in possession of a firearm, carrying concealed firearm, and possession of a firearm on school property.
“Bringing a firearm onto a school campus and threatening students is a serious crime that will never be tolerated,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister in a statement. “Thanks to the quick response from the victims, the school, and our deputies, this situation was addressed before anyone was harmed. We will continue working with our schools to make sure our campuses remain safe places for learning.”
The investigation remains ongoing, according to HCSO.
