BUNNELL, Fla. – A 13-year-old Flagler County student was arrested after bringing a realistic-looking BB gun to school, the sheriff’s office says.
The incident unfolded on Wednesday when Buddy Taylor Middle School officials overheard two students discussing a peer who had a gun. The student in question was brought to the dean’s office where officials searched his backpack and found a replica Glock 18C BB gun, a news release states.
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Officials say the BB gun’s orange tip had been removed, making it resemble a real firearm.
During an interview the school resource officer, the teen explained that he had been bullied and brought the BB gun to school for protection and admitted he hadn’t reported the bullying to school staff because he doubted they would take action.
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Deputies say the school resource officer discussed the serious consequences of bringing a weapon to school with the teen, emphasizing how the situation could have escalated if the weapon had been brandished. The teen acknowledged his mistake, admitting he hadn’t thought through his actions, the sheriff’s office said.
The investigation also revealed the teen’s parent bought the BB gun for him, believing it to be a toy. Florida law mandates that individuals under 16 can only use a BB gun under adult supervision. As a result, the teen was arrested and faces charges of possession of a weapon or firearm on school property and possession of a BB gun under the age of 16.
“It’s an unfortunate situation that this child felt he needed to protect himself, but bringing a weapon to school, even if it is not real, is not the solution,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “In the last two weeks, we have made multiple arrests of students. Parents need to know and understand the law on BB guns and never remove or paint over the orange caps that tell others the ‘gun’ is a replica. This could have had a tragic and deadly outcome. I commend the school faculty that ‘heard something, said something’ and took immediate action.”
The teen was taken to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and was later released.
The Flagler County School District released a statement following the arrest.
“Flagler Schools prioritizes the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement to uphold a safe learning environment for all.”
Flagler Schools
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