The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested a 16-year-old Spoto High School student Monday morning after a firearm was discovered inside his backpack on campus.
On November 9, 2026, at 8:20 a.m., the HCSO School Resource Deputy assigned to Spoto High School received information from an anonymous tip submitted through Tip411. The tip alleged the student was involved in burglarizing vehicles, stealing firearms, and bringing weapons onto school grounds.
When the student, Major Perkins, 16, arrived on campus, the deputy promptly made contact with him and escorted him to the school office. A search of the student's backpack revealed a firearm inside a zipper pocket. A loaded magazine containing eight rounds of ammunition was also found in the same pocket, separate from the firearm.
A records check revealed that the firearm had been reported stolen from Pasco County in March 2025.
Perkins was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of a Weapon on School Property
- Grand Theft Firearm
- Minor in Possession of a Firearm
- Carrying Concealed Firearm
"Weapons have no place on our school campuses," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Thanks to an anonymous tipster and the swift response by our School Resource Deputy, this firearm was intercepted before anyone was hurt."
The investigation is ongoing, and the Public Affairs Office will provide any updates.
