Gun at Atlantic HS: 3/8/22

Описание: BODY CAM VIDEO: School Resource Deputy Paul Passerrello arrests a student in the Atlantic High School gymnasium with a loaded 9mm handgun.

More info below:

Acting on a tip about a TikTok post Tuesday morning, a school resource deputy at Atlantic High School located and arrested a student who brought a loaded gun to school.

The deputy was notified around 11:40 a.m. after the TikTok video was reported to school administration. In the video, a 16-year-old student appeared to have a gun tucked into his waistband. School Resource Deputy Paul Passerrello learned that the student was in the school gymnasium, headed there and found him on the basketball court.

Deputy Passerrello escorted the student to a hallway away from other students. He asked him to show his waistband area, which revealed the pistol grip visible in the front. Deputy Passerrello handcuffed the student, removed the gun and escorted him to the deputy’s office. The Sig Sauer model P365 9mm handgun contained a loaded magazine with 10 bullets. A second loaded magazine with 11 bullets along with a holster were discovered in the student's backpack.

Further investigation revealed that the student stole the handgun from a relative’s locked closet without permission. The relative is pressing charges for the theft.

A second student who recorded and uploaded the TikTok video indicated she didn’t realize her friend had a gun and thought he was showing his abs when he pulled up his shirt, revealing his waistband.

The defendant, who stated he brought the gun to campus because he had been robbed at work last week, is charged with possession of a firearm on school property, grand theft of a firearm and carrying a concealed firearm. He was transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice to be held in secure detention.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood praised the quick actions of Deputy Passerrello as well as the student who reported the video: “This is exactly what we ask of every single person on every school campus in Volusia County: See something, say something, and help us keep our schools safe for everyone.”

Remember: In addition to reporting information to law enforcement or school administration, you can also use the FortifyFL app to submit an anonymous tip.