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Nov 02, 2024

Stolen, loaded gun found in backpack of VBHS student arrested at school on weapons charges

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY − A loaded handgun was found in the backpack of a Vero Beach High School student when the senior attempted to enter the campus but was stopped by deputies after setting off the

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY − A loaded handgun was found in the backpack of a Vero Beach High School student when the senior attempted to enter the campus but was stopped by deputies after setting off the alarms of the school metal detectors.

The student, Michael Anthony Bell Jr, 18, of the 1600 block of North 17Th Street in Ft. Pierce, was arrested at 8 a.m. Thursday and district officials said he would not be allowed to returned to the school, according to school district and law enforcement records.

Bell was charged with attempting to enter school property with a weapon or firearm, grand theft of firearm, being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia, records show.

"He was actually coming to the (school) like normal at the (metal detector) area," said Captain Joe Abollo with Indian River County Sheriff's Office. "The gate alerted (and) officers went to see what was going on (and) when they went to search him and check on him, they found a firearm in his backpack."

The pistol was found to be stolen out Okeechobee County and had 10 rounds of ammunition in its magazine, Abollo said.

"Upon further investigation, there was no (sign) or indication he was intending to use it at the school there (were) no threats made," Abollo said.

According to a statement from the school district about the incident there were no disruptions to school functions.

District officials said in the statement there was a "zero-tolerance policy regarding weapons of any kind, whether real or toy, on our campuses" and those found with a weapon would be investigated and prosecuted.

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Corey Arwood is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers. Follow @coreyarwood on X, email [email protected] or call 772-978-2246.