15-Year-Old Brings Gun To Manatee High School Tuesday, Claims ‘Self-Defense’: Police

BRADENTON, FL — A 15-year-old male student brought a gun to Manatee High School Tuesday, Bradenton police said in a news release.

Detectives responded to the school Tuesday afternoon after a suspicious bag was found. Based on the weight and dimensions of the bag, it was believed to contain a firearm, police said.

School cameras showed the student as he exited the school and left the bag outside an exterior door. He left school and was later contacted at his home, where he confirmed the bag was his and contained a gun.

He claimed it was for self-defense and he forgot he had it in his backpack, police said. He told investigators he had no intention of bringing the gun to school or harming anyone and expressed regret.

The investigation is ongoing and criminal charges are pending, police said.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Michael Carpenter at 941-932-9310. Tips can be emailed to BPDTips@BradentonPD.com or by through Crime Stoppers at 866-634-8477 or www.manateecrimestoppers.com.