A Florida teen faces charges after allegedly sneaking a loaded firearm into a Tampa high school, sparking safety concerns. Photo courtesy the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

ICYMI: Tampa Teen BUSTED with LOADED GUN at School—Florida Cops Stop TRAGEDY!

A Florida teen faces charges after allegedly sneaking a loaded firearm into a Tampa high school, sparking safety concerns. 🌐 #News #TampaFL #Florida #Crime

TAMPA, FL – A Tampa, Florida high school turned into a scene of tension Monday morning when a teenager allegedly walked in carrying a loaded gun, ready to fire. Authorities arrested the 16-year-old student at Leto High School after a staff member spotted something suspicious and acted fast, potentially averting disaster in the bustling Florida school.

Swift Action by School Staff

The situation unfolded at approximately 8:25 a.m. when an alert administrator at Leto High School noticed an odd bulge tucked between a student’s arm and ribcage.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reported that a Centegix alert was immediately triggered, bringing a School Resource Deputy to the scene. A Centegix alert is a safety system used in schools to quickly notify authorities or staff of a potential threat.

The deputy confronted the student, later identified as Alonzo Bridges, and uncovered a handgun loaded with 15 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber.

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Loaded Weapon Found on Teen

Bridges offered no explanation about where he got the deadly weapon, leaving authorities with more questions than answers.

The firearm’s presence on school grounds sent ripples of concern through the peaceful Tampa community, as officials emphasized the gravity of the incident and its potential consequences.

“I can’t stress this enough: bringing a gun to school is not only dangerous, it’s unacceptable. One bad decision could have changed lives forever today. Thankfully, the school staff and our deputy acted quickly to stop a potential tragedy,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement.

“This reckless behavior will not be tolerated, and we will ensure that anyone who endangers our schools is held accountable.”

Charges Filed, Investigation Continues

The troubled teen now faces serious charges, including possession of a weapon on school grounds and minor in possession of a firearm.

Hillsborough County deputies confirmed that the investigation remains active as they work to uncover how the gun ended up in the hands of the 16-year-old.

For now, the swift response from Leto High School staff and law enforcement has kept the campus safe, but the incident leaves a lingering unease in this close-knit Florida community.

RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Florida

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