HAINES CITY, Fla. – A Ridge Community High School student was arrested Monday afternoon after being seen with a stolen handgun on a school bus.
Christopher King, 17, is being charged with two counts of possession of a firearm on school property, improper exhibition of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a person under 18 years of age.
After 2:30 p.m. on Monday, officers were notified of a student in possession of a gun on a bus that was transporting students home after a fellow student saw King cycling rounds in and out of the chamber of the gun. The student texted a parent, who notified school staff. The school resource officer was able to communicate directly with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office who immediately dispatched deputies to secure the bus.
Deputies intercepted the bus, secured King and confirmed that he was in possession of a gun. The handgun was loaded with five rounds in the magazine.
During the investigation, the gun was determined to have been stolen from a residence in unincorporated Polk County.
“If you bring a firearm to school, there are no second chances,” Chief Jim Elensky said. “We are fortunate that no one was injured by the careless disregard this 17-year-old had for the students and staff he placed in harm’s way. I strongly commend this student and parent who followed the principle we refer to so often – if you see or hear something, say something.”
King acknowledged to having the gun on campus at school. King is currently on probation. He was arrested and transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center.
“We appreciate our law enforcement partners, including the Haines City Police Department, for responding so quickly and confiscating this weapon,” said Angela Clark, principal of Ridge Community High School. “We are thankful that a tip was made to keep anyone from getting hurt. As always, we encourage students, staff and community members to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement and school administrators. Working together, we can keep our schools and buses safe.”