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9-year-old accused of bringing loaded gun onto school bus
A 9-year-old boy was arrested Monday after police say he brought a loaded revolver onto a school bus in Ocala, prompting classmates to alert the driver.
OCALA, Fla. - A 9-year-old was taken into custody on Monday morning after the Ocala Police Department says he brought a gun on a school bus that was on the way to College Park Elementary School.
What we know:
A 9-year-old boy was arrested Monday after police say he brought a loaded revolver onto a school bus in Ocala, prompting classmates to alert the driver.
The child, a fourth grader at College Park Elementary, was taken into custody at a bus stop less than a mile from the school, according to the Ocala Police Department. Investigators said the boy initially resisted officers before admitting he took the .38-caliber revolver from a relative’s secured bedroom the day before.
Police said the boy hid the gun in his clothing before boarding the bus.
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No injuries were reported, and all other students on the bus were unharmed.
The boy admitted to taking the weapon the day prior and bringing it onto the bus concealed in his clothing, according to police, and also admitted to showing the gun to other students but stated he did not intend to harm anyone.
The boy was arrested and transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice. He faces multiple charges, including:
- Possession of a firearm on school property
- Possession of a firearm by a minor
- Carrying a concealed firearm
- Armed Burglary
- Grand theft of a firearm
- Disruption of a school function
(Credit Ocala Police Department)
‘Our children’s safety is our top priority'
What they're saying:
Officials say no identifying information will be released on the juvenile, as they are a minor.
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"We praise the students for alerting the bus driver and helping to ensure everyone’s safety," police said. "We also commend the swift response from law enforcement. Our children’s safety is our top priority. This incident shows why staying vigilant and reporting concerns quickly is critical. We will remain committed to supporting our schools and community while we pursue justice."
"Weapons are not acceptable on school property, including school buses," Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) officials said. "As outlined in our Code of Student Conduct, consequences are serious and severe if students choose to ignore this."
A message was shared with College Park parents by the school district following the incident:
"One of our fourth-grade students brought a gun onto the bus in their backpack this morning," the message said. "The student did not threaten anyone with the weapon. However, other students saw it and reported it to the bus driver, who immediately alerted authorities. Our Safe Schools department and Ocala police responded to the bus stop, confiscated the weapon and now has the student in custody. Fortunately, no one was injured during this incident. This student now faces serious discipline and legal consequences. Parents, please consider this an opportunity to discuss with your students the importance of making positive decisions that have good outcomes. We’re grateful our students saw something and said something."
What's next:
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
This is a developing story. Check back later for more updates.
The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Ocala Police Department and Marion County Public Schools.