The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 17-year-old student after a weapon was discovered on campus at Lennard High School.
On March 30, 2026, at approximately 11:45 a.m., a School Resource Deputy was notified by a school administrator of an anonymous report that a student had a weapon on school grounds.
Through the investigation, the student was identified as Valentino Pileggi, 17. A search of the student’s backpack was conducted, during which deputies located a kitchen knife with a black handle and a four-inch blade. Deputies also discovered a pocket knife.
During the investigation, Pileggi stated he brought the knife to school due to an ongoing dispute with other students. No threats were reported, and no injuries were associated with this incident.
Deputies also found a book in the student’s backpack related to the Columbine High School perpetrators’ diaries. The student stated he had the book due to his interest in true crime and criminal cases.
Pileggi was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of a Weapon on School Property
“This situation could have escalated quickly, but thanks to the vigilance of those who reported it and the swift response of our deputies, we were able to intervene before anyone was harmed,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We take any threat to school safety seriously and will act immediately to protect our students and staff.”
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who sees suspicious behavior to report it immediately to school officials or law enforcement.
This is an ongoing investigation, and any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.
