Student Allegedly Pulls Imitation Firearm During Class

Police in Punta Gorda are investigating an incident in which a 16-year-old student allegedly pulled an imitation firearm from his waistband at a teacher last week, Tuesday, October 20, at Julian Cho Technical High School.

ASP Stacy Smith said the incident reportedly began when the teacher asked the student about his homework. When the student could not produce it, the teacher requested his demerit card, and the student allegedly pulled out the imitation firearm.

“When that student was not able to give up his homework, the teacher asked for the demerit card, and the student is alleged to have gone into his pants waist and pulled out an imitation firearm.”

According to Smith, the student tucked the imitation firearm away, and handed it over after the student’s classmate encouraged him to do so.

The Community Policing Unit in Punta Gorda is investigating the incident, and the teacher has made no formal report.

Smith said possession of an imitation firearm with criminal intent is an offence. “The student is 16 years of age, which places him at age for criminal liability,” he said.