Flagler sheriff: 10-year-old arrested for bringing Airsoft gun to school

Frank Fernandez, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
·2 min read
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A 10-year-old boy was arrested after bringing this Airsoft pistol, which shoots BBs, to Wadsworth Elementary School in Palm Coast, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.
A 10-year-old boy was arrested after bringing this Airsoft pistol, which shoots BBs, to Wadsworth Elementary School in Palm Coast, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.

A 10-year-old boy was arrested Tuesday after he was spotted showing off a realistic-looking Airsoft pistol to classmates at Wadsworth Elementary School, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

The boy was showing the gun to his friends in the cafeteria, causing a commotion as classmates wanted to see the weapon, a release stated. Assistant Principal Chris Tincher saw the student showing the gun and quickly took him to the principal’s office.

A search of the student's backpack found the Airsoft weapon. The gun’s orange tip had been removed, making it look like an actual semi-automatic pistol, the release stated.  Airsoft guns shoot BBs.

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The sheriff’s office school resource deputy arrested the boy and brought him to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility for processing. The Department of Children and Families released the student back to his parents.

“This situation could have ended up a lot worse. Thankfully, the assistant principal was alert and took action before someone could get hurt,” according to a statement from Sheriff Rick Staly in the press release. “We don’t like arresting children, but the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has a zero-tolerance to weapons and threats on school campuses.

“I’m also astounded that a child thinks it is OK or ‘cool’ to bring a toy gun to a school that looks like a real gun and show it off to other students,” Staly continued. “Parents, I once again implore you to be the sheriff in your home. Talk to your kids and know what they are doing and playing with before we have to be the sheriff of your child.”

The student is facing charges for carrying an Airsoft/BB gun under the age of 16, which is a misdemeanor.

According to Florida statutes, it is a second-degree misdemeanor for an adult responsible for a child under 16 years of age to knowingly allow the child to possess a BB gun, air or gas-operated gun, electric device or weapon or firearm.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida 10-year-old boy arrested after bringing BB gun to school