Student arrested after gun, mask found on school bus

BRANDON, Fla. - Deputies say a student's tip led them to a stolen gun on a Hillsborough County school bus this morning.

It was just after 8:30 a.m. when deputies say a 911 caller told them that a relative aboard the school bus sent a text stating that another student was loading a gun on his lap.  More texts provided a description of the student and the location where the gun was hidden -- four seats behind the driver.

Deputies intercepted the bus on U.S. Highway 92, just east of Highway 579, and evacuated all seven students from the bus.  They say they found a .9mm pistol, a magazine loaded with 12 rounds, and a black ski mask.

Detectives later determined the gun had been stolen out of Temple Terrace.

Jamarcus Simms, 18, was arrested.  Charges are pending.

The bus was headed to Brandon Alternative School.