A 9-year-old Central Florida student has been arrested after allegedly bringing a loaded gun onto a school bus.
Officers with the Ocala Police said Monday they responded to a report of student with a firearm riding on a school bus, according to a department press release.
“Upon arrival in the 1300 block of SW 27th Avenue, officers boarded the bus and were directed by several students to a 9-year-old juvenile who was believed to be in possession of the weapon,” Ocala Police said.
Police boarded the bus, and they said the juvenile was safely detained after initially resisting officers.
“A loaded .38 caliber revolver was recovered from the floor near the juvenile’s seat,” Ocala Police said. “No injuries were reported, and all other students on the bus were unharmed.”
Investigators determined the child took the gun from a relative’s secured bedroom without permission the previous day.
The boy told detectives he’d hidden the gun in his clothing, and he had showed the gun to other students but he didn’t plan to hurt anyone, police said.
Officials said the boy is facing seven charges including possession of a firearm on school property, possession of a firearm by a minor, armed burglary and resisting arrest without violence.
He was transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Ocala Police added, “We praise the students for alerting the bus driver and helping to ensure everyone’s safety.”
