By GARRETT VALCOURT
A high school student in Washington County faces pending charges after allegedly displaying a toy gun on a school bus.
At around 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) telecommunications center received a call about a student possessing a firearm on a school bus. An elementary school student had noticed the object and informed the bus driver, who then contacted authorities.
The bus driver reportedly told the children that the bus was stopping due to a mechanical issue, a move that allowed law enforcement to intervene without causing panic.
WCSO deputies, alongside officers from the Chipley Police Department, arrived at the scene, boarded the bus, and detained the student in question.
Upon inspection, officers discovered the supposed firearm concealed in the student’s backpack, wrapped in a black T-shirt with only the muzzle visible. An examination revealed that the item was a toy gun modified to look like a real weapon.
The student was arrested and charged with exhibiting a weapon on school property and disturbing the peace.
Staff Report