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Teacher and student facing charges after gun found at Tampa middle school: TPD

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Published  October 21, 2024 5:52pm EDT
Tampa
FOX 13 News

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    TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Police Department charged a teacher at Sligh Middle Magnet School in Tampa with bringing a loaded gun to school and a student for stealing the gun and not reporting it. 

    Akeen Barthol, a 32-year-old teacher, was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds and allowing a minor to obtain a firearm on school grounds, the TPD says.

    The 13-year-old student was arrested and charged with grand theft after stealing things out of the bag but leaving the loaded gun in the bathroom for a third student to find and report, police say.

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    The investigation is ongoing, but the TPD says there is no active threat to the school or any students.

    Mugshot of Akeen Barthol. Courtesy: Tampa Police Department.

    Mugshot of Akeen Barthol. Courtesy: Tampa Police Department.

    "Anytime a gun is found on school property is deeply concerning," said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. "We are thankful that this incident did not result in tragedy, and we commend the responsible actions taken by the student who discovered the firearm. Our top priority is to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future."

    Barthol was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds and allowing a minor to obtain a firearm to possess on school grounds. He was taken to the Orient Road Jail.

    The 13-year-old student was charged with grand theft (firearm) and taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

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