Authorities have arrested a 14-year-old student after he brought a pepper ball gun to Tomlin Middle School, as reported by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred last Thursday when detectives were alerted to a student carrying a weapon on campus. According to FOX 13 News, the school administration had suspended the student and barred him from being on school property that day.
Upon contact with the HCSO, the student, identified as Luis Prada, admitted to bringing the pepper ball gun to school, stated WWSB ABC 7. Deputies later found the weapon at Prada’s residence. Charged with trespassing on school grounds after notice and armed trespassing of a structure or conveyance, the incident has raised questions around school security and the conduct of suspended students. Having been told not allowed on campus the day before the incident ensued.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister conveyed the seriousness of the situation. “There is no excuse for this kind of behavior,” he emphasized. In a statement to WFLA, Sheriff Chronister highlighted the disruption caused by such events, “Behavior like this creates fear, disrupts learning, and has the potential to end in tragedy.” He praised the quick response of the deputies involved and the witness who reported the sighting…