TAMPA, Fla. – A physical education teacher at Sligh Middle Magnet School in Tampa was arrested today after a student found his loaded handgun in a school restroom.
The incident began when the teacher, 32-year-old Akeen Barthol, left his backpack containing the firearm unsecured in a gym storage room accessible to students. A 13-year-old student took the backpack and brought it to a restroom, removing personal items but leaving the gun and backpack behind. Another student found the gun and immediately reported it to school staff, who then contacted the School Resource Officer.
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“Anytime a gun is found on school property is deeply concerning,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “We are thankful that this incident did not result in tragedy, and we commend the responsible actions taken by the student who discovered the firearm. Our top priority is to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.”
Barthol was arrested and faces charges of Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds and Allowing a Minor to Obtain a Firearm. The 13-year-old student was also charged with Grand Theft of a Firearm.
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