Police: Students Facing Criminal Charges For Bringing Stolen Gun To Campus
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HOLLYWOOD (CBSMiami) – Two middle school students are facing criminal charges after police said they were spotted on campus handling a handgun and trying to hide it.
Hollywood police said several students who saw the male students with the gun spoke up and told school officials what they saw.
Worried parents rushed to Apollo Middle School in Hollywood Tuesday afternoon after the school was placed on lockdown.
"My kids in there," said Crystal Milligan, a parent. "Is he safe?"
School officials said all students were safe and were dismissed on time. Parents hugged their children and were grateful no one was hurt.
"For a moment when I pulled up, I was a little concerned but when I heard evereything's ok, I was relieved," said Keith Davis.
Hollywood police said two male students were handling the gun which was stolen. Investigators told CBS4 News that they're still sorting out who it was stolen from and how these middle school students got their hands on it.
"This is something we're very concerned with," said Hollywood police Spokesperson Jaime Hernandez. "We take very seriously."
Hollywood police descended on the school around 2 pm when they found out about the handgun and questioned the two male students before charging them. Other students were trying to make sense of why someone would bring a firearm to campus.
"I don't really know why there would be a weapon at the school," said Denilka Pomerantz. "That's my concern."
Parents – like Teddy Pomerantz – said they weren't informed of the situation until he arrived at school to pick up his daughter.
"For a lockdown like this they definitely should have done a blast to let us know," said Pomerantz.
Parents felt this was a teachable moment for their kids -- a way to give them lessons on how to stay alert and what to do in a crisis.
"My kids are really observant and they know if something's out of place, they should say something," said Kelly Simon.
Police said the students who handled the gun are being charged with possessing a gun on school property. Police are not releasing the names of the two male students being charged because they're juveniles.
