Student found with gun at Vero Beach High School arrested Monday

Melissa E. Holsman, Treasure Coast Newspapers
·1 min read

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – A student at Vero Beach High School found Monday in possession of a handgun in the school was arrested after the weapon was found in a school bag, according to school officials.

Martrez Antonio Barnes, 18, of the 4000 block of 45th Lane, Vero Beach, was taken into custody by Indian River County sheriff's deputies and removed from the school, said Cristen Maddux, a spokesperson for the School District of Indian River County.

Before classes began Monday, several students were found in a restroom who officials believed were vaping and were taken to see school administrators, Maddux said via email.

While searching the students’ bags, a school resource deputy found a Glock 42 handgun in a bag belonging to Barnes who was then arrested, according to Sheriff's Office spokesperson Sgt. Kevin Jaworski.

Barnes, who is currently being held at the Indian River County Jail, was charged with possessing a firearm on school property, records show.

In an abundance of caution, Maddux said Monday there will be an increase in security on campus throughout the day

“We are thankful for our school (administration) law enforcement officers for their vigilance and working quickly to immediately handle the incident,” Maddux said. “Due to their work, there were no disruptions to our school day and our schedule will continue as normal.”

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Melissa E. Holsman is the legal affairs reporter for TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers and is writer and co-host of "Uncertain Terms," a true-crime podcast. Reach her at  melissa.holsman@tcpalm.com. If you are a subscriber, thank you. If not, become a subscriber to get the latest local news on the Treasure Coast.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Vero Beach High School student arrested after handgun found in bag