HAINES CITY, Fla. — A 16-year-old Ridge Community High School student was arrested Wednesday for being in possession of a handgun and a controlled substance.
- Teen faces several charges after Wednesday arrest
- Drugs, handgun found in his possession
The teen was arrested on charges of possession of hydrocodone, possession with the intent to sell, possession of a narcotic within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of a prescription drug without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a weapon on school grounds, possession of a concealed weapon, possession of a weapon by a juvenile and violation of probation.
Officers responded to a classroom Wednesday morning after a teacher located an altered soda can with a top that screwed off. Located inside the can were 24 pills determined to be hydrocodone.
During an administrative search, an unloaded handgun was found in a shoebox that the teen had been carrying. The gun was fully functional, but did not contain a magazine.
The teen has been on probation since the beginning of May.
“Drugs and handguns on school property is a bad combination,” Chief Jim Elensky said. “I commend the teacher, administrationand our school resource officers for their prompt action in this case. We cherish our relationship with Polk County Schools and ensuring the safety of students and staff will remain the highest priority of our SROs.”
We are not naming the teen because of our crime guidelines.