ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — A student was arrested Monday at a school in St. Lucie County after a loaded firearm was found inside a backpack, deputies said.
According to a sheriff's office Facebook post, two students at Fort Pierce Westwood Academy were involved in a "school administrative investigation" conducted by a dean.
During the investigation, St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office School Resource deputies were present, standing by and observing.
During a search of one student's backpack by the dean, a loaded 9mm firearm was discovered, deputies said.
When the weapon was found, deputies intervened and detained both students.
The sheriff's office said one student was arrested on a charge of possession of a weapon on school property.
"The safety and security of all students and staff remain the highest priority for the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office," Sheriff Richard Del Toro said in the Facebook post. "We will continue to work closely with our school administrators to ensure swift action is taken whenever a potential threat arises. No weapon belongs on a school campus, and we are committed to doing everything necessary to keep our schools safe."
Principal David Alfonso said in a statement to parents that anyone bringing a firearm to campus will be arrested and face severe consequences, with the recommendation for expulsion based on the Student Code of Conduct.
The principal also urged parents to speak to their children about the importance of school safety.
Below are statements sent by the St. Lucie School District and the principal regarding the incident:
St. Lucie Public Schools District statement:
Today, a serious incident occurred at Fort Pierce Westwood Academy High School where a loaded firearm was confiscated from a student.
This event underscores the importance of the strong partnership between St. Lucie Public Schools and the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office.
During an investigation conducted by school officials, a loaded 9mm firearm was discovered in a student's backpack. The swift and coordinated response by our school administrators and the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office School Resource deputies ensured that the situation was handled without incident. The student in possession of the weapon was immediately detained and arrested for Possession of a Weapon on School Property.
We want to emphasize that the safety and security of our students and staff are our highest priorities and the best ways to ensure their safety is to always follow the "see something, say something" protocol. Our established safety procedures were followed effectively, demonstrating our commitment to a secure learning environment. Any student found bringing a firearm to campus will face severe consequences, including arrest and immediate suspension with a recommendation for expulsion, in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
We urge parents to take this opportunity to discuss the importance of school safety with their children. Encouraging students to report any information that may compromise their safety, or the safety of others is crucial. Together, we can maintain an environment where students are free to focus on learning.
Message Sent to Parents by Principal
Good afternoon, Fort Pierce Westwood Academy High School Parents and Guardians,
This is Principal Alfonso with an important message about an event that occurred on campus today. School administrators working with our Law Enforcement partners confiscated a firearm from a student who had one in their possession.
Anyone bringing a firearm to campus will be arrested and will face severe consequences with the recommendation for expulsion based on the Student Code of Conduct. We will not tolerate students bringing weapons to campus and we have systems in place to ensure we catch students that do.
Providing a safe and secure learning environment is our top priority in St. Lucie Public Schools and we take these incidents very seriously. Extensive security measures are in place to help us maintain a safe campus.
As parents, you can help. Please take this opportunity to speak to your child about the importance of school safety. We want to encourage students to feel comfortable reporting any information they may have that compromises their safety and the safety of others.
Working together, we can maintain an environment where students are free to focus on learning. Remember, if you see something, say something.
