11-Year-Old Found With Gun At Monroe Middle School, Tampa

TAMPA, FL — An 11-year-old student was taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center after he was found with a loaded handgun on school property Friday.

Another student told school administrators at Monroe Middle School, 4716 W. Montgomery Ave., Tampa, that the boy had a gun in his backpack. The Tampa Police Department school resource officer was informed and immediately removed the student from class and found the gun.

There was no threat made to any person or the school. The 11-year-old was charged with minor in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a firearm on school property.

"I am proud of the student who stepped up and said something to keep others safe," said Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan. "We need everyone in our community to learn from the actions of this brave student. I ask anyone who has information on someone who should not have a gun to tell us, tell Crime Stoppers or tell anyone who will let us know."