SEBASTIAN — An 11th grade student was arrested after an unloaded handgun was found in his backpack Wednesday at Sebastian River High School, school district and sheriff’s officials said. The incident prompted extra law enforcement officers to be stationed throughout the campus as a precaution.
“This student has been detained by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, is in custody, and will not return as a student at Sebastian River High School,” School District of Indian River County officials said in a statement. “We are thankful for the individual who came forward with the initial report, and for our school resource deputies and other Indian River County Sheriff’s officers for responding promptly.”
The student – a boy – told deputies he stole the gun from his father, sheriff’s spokesperson Lt. Joe Abollo said. The minor was charged with grand theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm on school grounds, carrying a concealed weapon and improper exhibition of a firearm.
The boy was taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice in Fort Pierce, Abollo said.
School officials said there was no threat to the campus or an individual.
1/6: It is important that we alert our SDIRC families to a situation that occurred at SRHS today. We are thankful for our partnership with the IRCSO and their immediate and thorough action to resolve this incident. pic.twitter.com/T0wOreaKpG
— Indian River Schools (@IRCSchools) April 19, 2023
School officials said they received a tip Wednesday morning about the student suspected to have a weapon in his backpack. School officials and deputies immediately investigated and questioned the boy.
Authorities located the firearm inside the boy’s backpack, school officials said. There was no ammunition found.
Deputies detained the student. The incident did not cause any disruptions on campus.
“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,” school officials said. “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.”
