Lakeland Police Department Press Release
LAKELAND, FL (February 22, 2023) – On Wednesday, February 22, 2023, just before 6:51 a.m., school resource officers assigned to Lakeland Senior High School were monitoring random student searches being conducted by school administrators at the bus loop on school property. During the process, a 17-year-old female student was found to have brought a handgun, concealed inside a purse, on the school bus. Officers responded accordingly, in partnership with school staff, and safely took possession of the firearm. Upon inspection, officers found the handgun to be loaded.
The student was arrested and charged with Possession of a Firearm on School Property and Illegally Carrying a Concealed Weapon. She was then transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center. At this point in the investigation, officers have not found that any threats were made or that other students were aware of the handgun. The investigation is ongoing.
The message below was sent out to parents from Polk County Public Schools:
Dear families,
This message is being sent on behalf of Lakeland High School. All students and staff are safe. This morning we conducted a random search at school, and found a student in possession of a firearm. No one was threatened with the weapon; the student has been taken into custody and is facing serious legal consequences. As always, we thank our law enforcement partners for helping us conduct these searches and keeping our campus safe.
Thank you.
