Teenagers Bring Stolen, Loaded Gun to Their High School

Kevin Reese’s mugshot (left) and Arthur Thompson’s mugshot (right). Photo by Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

A school shooting was avoided last Friday because of a high school teacher’s vigilance. According to a press release by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), two teenagers, 16-year-old Kevin Reese and 14-year-old Arthur Thompson were arrested after a loaded gun was found at King High School on November 15. 

The HCSO reports that a teacher witnessed Thompson pass a gun to Reese and alerted an HCSO School Resource Deputy. The two teens ran when a deputy approached them. Deputies then watched Reese discard the gun before he surrendered. 
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During the investigation, deputies discovered that the firearm had been reported stolen from a recent burglary. 

Photo of the stolen gun after police recovered it. Photo by Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

At this time, Reese has been arrested on four charges, and Thompson has been arrested on three. However, the investigation is active and ongoing.

Reese’s charges include “Minor in Possession of a Firearm”, “Possession of a Firearm on School Property”, “Possession of a Stolen Firearm”, and “Resisting Arrest Without Violence”. Thompson’s charges include “Minor in Possession of a Firearm”, “Possession of a Firearm on School Property”, and “Possession of a Stolen Firearm”.

Sheriff Chad Chronister commented, “The presence of any weapon on school grounds is deeply concerning and will not be tolerated. Our commitment to safeguarding students and staff across our schools remains steadfast. Those who bring weapons into places where they do not belong will be held accountable”.
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Article by Ema Tibbetts