BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — The Hernando County sheriff said Thursday that the gun used at a shooting in a Spring Hill apartment complex one week ago was seen on a school bus days before.
Deputies believe the gun made its way through the hands of multiple students before anyone was hurt. The student who allegedly showed the weapon to classmates is now in custody.
"Students need to step up and let us know when something like this happens," Sheriff Al Nienhuis said.
The 16-year-old boy is being held at a juvenile detention center. Nienhuis said his arrest took place after students at Springstead High School reported him bringing the gun to school.
The sheriff said the teen was also in possession of a stolen vehicle at the same complex where the shooting took place. When confronted by a deputy, the teen shoved the deputy and fled, eventually crashing the vehicle on Mariner Boulevard, according to Nienhuis.
Nienhuis said the shooting at the Mariner's Cay Apartment Complex in Spring Hill was unintentional and that the shooter responsible was released from custody. The 17-year-old teenager who was shot was brought to a local trauma center and is expected to survive.
However, the source of the gun remains unclear.
Both the Hernando County sheriff and the school district's superintendent are asking more students who have any information to come forward.
"The sooner you let us know, the sooner we can make sure each of you stay safe," Superintendent John Stratton said.
School bus surveillance video captured the gun being flashed around by the arrested teenager on Jan. 12. It was also the same date the incident with the alleged stolen vehicle took place.
The sheriff adds anyone with information who would like to come forward can remain anonymous.
The teen is charged with possessing the firearm on school property. It is up to the State Attorney's Office whether to charge him as an adult.