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Hillsborough County, FL - A 16-year-old student at Spoto High School in Riverview was arrested on October 14th after allegedly bringing a firearm onto campus.
School administrators and a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Deputy contacted the student around 11:15 a.m. following a tip that the student was in possession of a weapon.
Deputies reported that a search of the student’s backpack revealed a pistol with a loaded magazine containing seven 9mm rounds.
The firearm did not have a round in the chamber at the time it was found.
The student was taken into custody and charged with one count of possession of a weapon on school grounds.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister acknowledged the quick response of the school staff and the deputy, stating that their actions prevented a potentially dangerous situation.
He emphasized that weapons are not tolerated on school property and encouraged parents to talk with their children about the legal and safety risks of bringing a weapon to school.
The incident remains under investigation, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office will provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Spoto High School, located at 8538 Eagle Palm Drive, serves the Riverview community, including Progress Village and Palm River-Clair Mel.
The school operates under the Hillsborough County Public Schools district and maintains a focus on student safety and academic performance.
This arrest follows an ongoing effort by local authorities and school administrators to prevent weapons on campus and ensure the safety of students and staff.