VERO BEACH — A 16-year-old suspected of bringing a BB gun and ammunition into a classroom two weeks ago told an assistant principal that he and his friend planned to play with the gun after school, authorities said.
The teenager was charged with possession of a weapon on school property. The incident happened at Vero Beach High School, 1707 16th Street.
A deputy, acting as a school resource officer, went to the high school about 1:30 p.m Feb. 9 in response to a call for assistance. Two students said the 16-year-old showed other students a gun concealed in his book bag during a 7th period class, according to school officials.
The students said the teenager did not pull the weapon out, an arrest report states. But, after seeing a glimpse of the gun, students “believed that it was a real firearm and were afraid something bad would happen.”
The two students notified a school official. The assistant principal used the school radio to ask for help from the deputy.
The assistant principal searched the teen’s backpack and found an unloaded BB gun and the gun’s magazine, which had six BB’s. Officials also found an additional 29 BB’s and one cartridge in a zip lock bag.
The boy admitted the backpack and gun belonged to him. He denied any issues at school such as bullying or harassment.
He told the assistant principal that he spent the night at a friend’s house. So, he brought the gun to class so he and his friend could play with the weapon after school, deputies said.
The case is being reviewed by the State Attorney’s Office.