A 14‑year‑old Mill Creek Academy student was arrested Monday after deputies say a CO2‑powered pellet handgun turned up on campus, tucked away in another student’s backpack instead of at home where it belonged. The juvenile was removed from the St. Augustine‑area school and taken to the St. Johns County jail while deputies continue their investigation.
According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, deputies secured the CO2‑powered pellet handgun and said “there is no ongoing danger to students or staff.” The agency added that the investigation is active and that no threats were made against students or staff.
How Deputies Say The Weapon Was Hidden
Deputies believe the student tried to keep the pellet gun off adults’ radar by slipping it into another student’s backpack, an apparent attempt to hide it from school staff and law enforcement. As reported by Action News Jax, deputies recovered the weapon, took the teen into custody on campus, and then transported the juvenile to the St. Johns County Jail.
School Rules And Recent Local Incidents
The arrest comes on the heels of other weapons scares in St. Johns County this school year, including a February incident in which an 11‑year‑old Mill Creek student was found with a loaded handgun on a school bus, as reported in loaded handgun on a school bus. According to the St. Johns County School District Student Code of Conduct, pellet and BB guns are classified as weapons or contraband and can trigger school discipline along with a referral to law enforcement. The code also allows school personnel to search backpacks and other belongings when there is reasonable suspicion that a student may have contraband.
The sheriff’s office and local outlets report that the investigation remains active, and deputies have not released additional information about potential charges. Parents and guardians with questions are being directed to watch for further updates from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office or the school district as the review continues.
