16-year-old student arrested after bringing gun to school in Central Florida

A 16-year-old student was arrested in Central Florida after receiving a tip that a student brought a firearm to Wharton High School.

At approximately 9 a.m. on September 18, a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputy assigned to Wharton High School in Tampa received a tip from a concerned parent that a student at the school may be in possession of a weapon.

An official search revealed that 16-year-old Janarion Hart was carrying a CO2 air pistol in his waistband.

Through investigative efforts, officers learned that Hart had shown the firearm in his waistband to several students, portraying it as a firearm and stating that “he always carries a stick with him.”

“I am absolutely outraged that any student would bring anything resembling a firearm onto school property, causing fear and panic among their peers,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We take any threat seriously and I am grateful for the courageous students and concerned parents who alerted us and allowed us to take rapid action to protect everyone at Wharton High School. Let this serve as a clear message: There are serious consequences for anyone who endangers the safety of our schools.”

According to local law enforcement, Hart was arrested and faces charges of possession of a weapon on school grounds.