An 18-year-old high school student was arrested after purportedly bringing a stun gun onto the campus of Northeast High School in Oakland Park, South Florida. Local news outlet Local 10 News reported that Hayden Hanstein faced a judge today following his arrest yesterday. He's been charged with possession of a weapon on school property.
According to details surfaced from the courtroom, defense lawyers claimed that Hanstein did not realize the severity of bringing a stun gun to the school parking lot, while prosecutors maintained that he intentionally brought the weapon to show it off to his peers. As reported by NBC Miami, Hanstein is being described as a stellar student and was granted a $1,000 bond. He has also been ordered to stay well away from all weapons and ammunition.
During the incident at Northeast High School, Hanstein allegedly demonstrated the stun gun several times to friends. A school security officer is said to have heard the weapon discharge and confiscated it before contacting the Broward Sheriff's Office. Following an investigation, the officer indeed found probable cause for Hanstein's charge.
Repercussions for Hanstein's actions are to extend beyond the judiciary system. In a statement obtained by Local 10 News, a ParentLink message by school principal Anthony Valachovic read, "This morning, our security team safely confiscated a Taser that was found in the possession of one of our students in the parking lot. The weapon was secured without incident, and the student was taken into custody by police. I want to assure you this situation did not involve any threats toward our school, students, or staff. The student will face appropriate school disciplinary measures."
