Two 10-year-old boys from Florida were recently arrested for a $300 gun sale deal that took place inside their elementary school. Concerns were raised when a parent contacted the school saying that her child had seen a classmate with a gun. The school, Country Oaks Elementary in LaBelle, was immediately put on lockdown, and the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office responded to investigate the claims. After searching, a backpack on school grounds was found to contain ammunition and 74 grams of marijuana belonging to one of the students.
Deputies were able to locate the gun hidden in the backyard of one of the students’ homes, which had been purchased from a classmate in February. The boy who had bought the firearm stated that it had belonged to his deceased father. The seller’s mother is a local police deputy and has been put on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation. The child buyer is now facing charges including purchase of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor, having a gun on school property, and drug possession. The seller was charged with selling a firearm to a minor, possession of a firearm by a minor, possession of a firearm on school property, and theft. Both boys have been in custody since their arrest.
Parents in the community expressed shock at the incident, considering the young age of the boys involved. Some parents even mentioned the possibility of pulling their children out of the school due to the situation. The Hendry County Superintendent, Michael Swindle, called the incident “heartbreaking.” He mentioned that while education is a focus, society has sadly reached a point where events like this occur. Swindle also expressed gratitude for the arrests potentially preventing a school shooting in the future.
According to reports, the seller of the firearm was a 10-year-old student whose mother is a local police deputy. The fact that a child involved in a gun sale came from a law enforcement background added another layer of concern to the situation. The child who bought the firearm stated that it had been his deceased father’s gun. The incident has led to questions about how the boys were able to access the gun and conduct the sale. The arrests have sparked discussions around gun safety, access, and education, especially among children.
The case of the two 10-year-olds involved in a gun sale at their elementary school has raised alarm among parents, school officials, and the community. The incident has highlighted issues related to gun safety, access, and the potential consequences of gun-related activities among children. Families are reeling from the news and considering the impact on their children’s safety and well-being. As the legal process unfolds for the boys and their families, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of gun education, safety measures, and responsible ownership. The situation has prompted discussions and reflection on how to prevent similar incidents in the future.
