Two 16-year-old students were arrested following an incident at Lakeland High School involving a firearm found inside a classroom.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and arrest affidavits, the key details of the investigation include:
- The Discovery: Deputies and school administrators conducted targeted classroom and backpack searches after a firearm was spotted on video. During the screening, a deputy found a green and black 9mm ghost gun (without a serial number) hidden underneath papers in the seat of an unoccupied desk. A container with 14 rounds of ammunition was also recovered.
- Student Admissions & Motive: One of the students admitted that the gun belonged to him, stating he built it from parts purchased online. He reported bringing it to school due to issues with classmates and left it in the desk seat because he anticipated an impending search by the assistant principal.
- Additional Arrests & Contraband: A second student involved—who records show was already on probation for petit and retail theft—had his bag searched, revealing three THC vapes hidden in compartments.
- Charges: Both teenagers were taken into custody and face felony charges tied to the firearm investigation.
Student 1 faces four charges, including firearm possession on school property, unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor, unlawful carrying of a concealed firearm, and disrupting or interfering with school operations.
Student 2 faces six charges, including firearm possession on school property, unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor, unlawful carrying of a concealed firearm, possession of cannabis resin, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violation of probation.
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