A 17-year-old boy was arrested by Sanford police after he allegedly brought a firearm onto a local high school campus.
On Thursday, May 14, a student notified administrators at Seminole High School (2701 Ridgewood Avenue in Sanford) that another student, identified as a 17-year-old boy, had a gun on the campus, according to the Sanford Police Department.
The high school’s 9th-grade center and main campus were both immediately placed on lockdown as school resource officers began actively searching for the armed teen.
During the search, officers reportedly located the 17-year-old boy hiding in a closet, and he was placed under arrest without further incident. According to the police department, a firearm was located in the vicinity of where the teen was found.
Law enforcement confirmed that no students were harmed during the incident.
“I commend the swift action and bravery of the student that came forward reporting another student having a gun on campus,” said Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith.
Seminole County Public Schools Superintendent Serita D. Beamon echoed the police chief’s sentiment, stating that the reporting individual’s courage allowed administration and law enforcement to immediately respond and safely resolve the situation.
Due to his age, the teen suspect’s identity is not being released. Following his arrest, he was transported to the Seminole County Juvenile Assessment Center.
The teen is currently being charged with possession of a firearm under the age of 18, disruption of a school function, and possession of a firearm on a school campus.
Investigators are asking anyone with additional information about this incident to please contact the Sanford Police Department at 407-688-5070. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).