TAMPA, Fla. – Two students at King High School in Tampa were arrested on Friday after a loaded firearm was discovered on campus.
The incident unfolded when a teacher witnessed one student passing a firearm to another student and immediately alerted the school’s resource deputy. When the deputy approached the students, they fled.
Deputies pursued the students and observed 16-year-old Kevin Reese discarding the firearm before surrendering to law enforcement. Further investigation revealed the firearm had been reported stolen in a recent burglary. The teacher identified 14-year-old Arthur Thompson as the student who initially handed the gun to Reese.
READ: Traffic Stop In Dover Leads To Arrest, Recovery Of $50,000 In Stolen Silver And Firearms
Both students were arrested and now face serious charges:
Kevin Reese (16):
- Minor in Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Firearm on School Property
- Possession of a Stolen Firearm
- Resisting Arrest Without Violence
Arthur Thompson (14):
- Minor in Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Firearm on School Property
- Possession of a Stolen Firearm
“The presence of any weapon on school grounds is deeply concerning and will not be tolerated,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our commitment to safeguarding students and staff across our schools remains steadfast. Those who bring weapons into places where they do not belong will be held accountable.”
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