PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla.-- A 12-year-old St. Lucie County student has been arrested for possessing a firearm on campus, according to the district.
The incident happened at Oak Hammock K-8 in Port St. Lucie.
According to an arrest report, a school dean called St. Lucie County deputies Thursday after hearing from other students that the student may have had a gun on campus.
After speaking to the student, deputies say they learned he actually brought the gun to school on Tuesday and even had a friend carry it around for a few hours.
According to the report, the 12-year-old told deputies he had been threatened off campus by an alleged gang member and brought the gun for his safety.
But several other students say they heard the 12-year-old threaten another child. They also told investigators the gun was loaded.
Parents say they didn't find out about the incident until Friday morning when the district sent an automated message.
"You know when I heard it, my eyes started watering. I got goosebumps because it’s kind of scary being so close to home," one parent said.
The district wanted parents to know that the tip came in midday Thursday. It said: "An active investigation ensued, results were available late Thursday, and the School Messenger was sent prior to the start of school on Friday."
The district added: "It was late when all information was verified and the message was created and confirmed for delivery to Oak Hammock contacts."
The student who is accused of bringing the weapon to school has been investigated for making threats before, according to his arrest report.
The district said: "The safety of our students and staff is the School District's highest priority. We encourage students to report any behavior that could in any way compromise their safety or the safety of others. Working together, we can maintain safe educational experiences."