2 Teens Caught With Apparent Rifle Near Hillsborough School: Sheriff

BRANDON, FL — Two teenagers were arrested Tuesday after authorities said they brought what appeared to be a rifle onto the grounds of a Brandon elementary school.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested 18-year-old Kelvin Dupree and a 14-year-old boy and charged them with several counts, including displaying a gun on school property, trespassing on school property with a weapon and disrupting school, according to an agency news release. Patch is not naming the 14-year-old because he is a minor.

According to the release, officials at Schmidt Elementary School called deputies around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday after spotting the teens on campus. Authorities said one appeared to be armed with a rifle.

When deputies arrived, they found the teens near the school drop-off area, according to the release. Deputies ordered them to drop the firearm and lie on the ground, authorities said. According to the release, both teens complied and were arrested without incident.

Authorities later determined the rifle was a BB gun with an optic, the release said.

Officials placed the school on lockdown during the incident since summer classes were in session, authorities said.

"The start of a new school year is just around the corner, and this is my stark warning, guns on campus are no laughing matter. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and we take any reports of firearms seriously," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in the release. "Those who make threats or bring guns onto school grounds will face swift and decisive action. We will not hesitate to make arrests to ensure a secure and nurturing learning environment for all."