1:36 pm | September 8, 2025
A 9-year-old juvenile was arrested Tuesday morning after bringing a loaded revolver onto a school bus, according to the Ocala Police Department. Officers responded quickly to a report of a student with a firearm and safely detained the child without incident.
The gun, a loaded revolver, was recovered on the bus. Police say the juvenile took the firearm from a relative’s secured room without permission and brought it onto the bus to show other students. No injuries occurred during the incident.
The child was arrested and transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice. The charges include:
- Possession of a Firearm on School Property
- Armed Burglary
- Grand Theft of a Firearm
- Carrying a Concealed Firearm
- Disruption of a School Function
Authorities praised the quick-thinking students who reported the weapon to the bus driver, whose prompt response led to the safe intervention by law enforcement.
Previously: 11:03 am | September 8, 2025
OCALA, FL. (352 Today) Early this morning, officers with the Ocala Police Department responded to SW 14th Street and SW 27th Avenue involving a juvenile in possession of a firearm while riding a school bus in route to College Park Elementary.
The firearm was safely recovered by law enforcement, and the juvenile was taken into custody without incident. No injuries were reported, and all other students on the bus were unharmed.
The incident remains under active investigation. Detectives are working closely with school officials and the juvenile justice system to determine how the firearm was obtained and whether any threats were made or intended.
We are grateful for the swift actions of the bus driver who reported the situation and for the cooperation of school staff and transportation personnel.
Due to the age of the individual involved, no identifying information will be released. Additional details may be shared as the investigation progresses.