NewsPalm Beach CountyRegion N Palm Beach CountyPalm Beach Gardens

Actions

Dwyer student arrested for allegedly bringing gun, drugs to school grounds

Posted at 11:08 AM, Mar 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-16 12:37:07-04

A student at a high school in Palm Beach Gardens is facing criminal charges for bringing a loaded gun and illegal drugs onto school grounds, according to a school police report.

Palm Beach County School Police say Amber Hunter, 18, had a loaded handgun, marijuana, and prescription medication not prescribed to her inside her car at a high school.

A Palm Beach County School Police officer reported smelling marijuana coming from a car in the William T. Dwyer High School parking lot on March 15 around 10:45 a.m.

The officer said a marijuana cigarette could be seen in the center console of the car.

The officer pulled Hunter out of class and asked her if there's anything in her car she shouldn’t have, the report states. She said, “Oh, that’s not mine,” according to the report.

Hunter unlocked her car for the officer and was placed in handcuffs after he picked up the marijuana cigarette. 

The officer searched the car and found a loaded handgun under the passenger seat, the report states. Records show the handgun was reported stolen.

Hunter told the officers her boyfriend bought the gun a few days ago but she was not aware that it was in the car, along with prescription drugs the officer also found.

Hunter was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail and is facing charges for possessing drugs, paraphernalia and a firearm on a school campus.

Statement from William T. Dwyer Dwyer High School principal:
Good morning parents, teachers, staff and administrators, this is Mr. D. It is March 15th at 11:50 a.m. I am calling to make you aware of an incident that took place on our campus this morning. Our school police officer noticed the smell of marijuana coming from a student’s vehicle in the parking lot. The officer conducted a search of the vehicle, at which time a handgun was located and confiscated. The student owner of this vehicle is now in law enforcement custody.

Parents, we take the safety of our campus very seriously.  Students who make the decision to bring illegal or banned items onto campus will face disciplinary action as well as legal consequences. Please speak with your child tonight about the importance of helping to keep our campus safe, making good decisions and always notifying a staff member if they see or hear of anything suspicious in nature. At no time were any staff or students in jeopardy due to the situation this morning.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.  Thank you for your continued support of Dwyer High School. This is Mr. D.