Student finds gun in teacher’s backpack and both are facing charges, Florida cops say

A gun brought to school by a teacher passed through the hands of at least two students after it was stolen from his backpack, according to Florida investigators.

The incident happened Monday, Oct. 21, at Sligh Middle Magnet School in Tampa, and both the teacher and accused thief are facing charges, the Tampa Police Department said in a news release.

“A 32-year-old physical education teacher ... left his backpack, which contained a loaded handgun, unsecured in a gym storage room ... accessible to students,” police said.

“A 13-year-old student later took the backpack from the storage area without permission, and took it to a nearby restroom. The student then removed personal items from the backpack, leaving the gun and backpack behind.”

The gun and backpack were discovered in the restroom by another student, who alerted school staff, officials said.

Details of how the weapon was traced to a specific teacher were not released, but he was arrested the same day and charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds and allowing a minor to obtain a firearm to possess on school grounds, police said.

The student accused of taking the backpack is charged with grand theft of a firearm, officials said.

“Anytime a gun is found on school property is deeply concerning,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in the release.

“We are thankful that this incident did not result in tragedy, and we commend the responsible actions taken by the student who discovered the firearm.”

This story was originally published October 22, 2024 at 6:22 AM with the headline "Student finds gun in teacher’s backpack and both are facing charges, Florida cops say."