Student Found Bullet on Way to Bus

In the wake of Friday’s shootings in Newtown, Conn., Hillsborough County school and law enforcement officials announced they were taking no chances in regard to student safety.

That’s why all Hillsborough County schools, including those in Lutz, are on modified lockdown this week. That’s also why a stray bullet found on a bus that serves children at Turner Elementary, Liberty Middle and Wharton High caused so much concern this morning.

The school district notified the media this morning that a bullet had been found on a bus and an investigation was under way to determine how it got there. Students at all three New Tampa schools who rode that particular bus were questioned. Backpacks and lockers were also searched. Police found no weapons or additional ammunition at any of the three schools.

The mystery of the bullet’s origin, however, was solved this afternoon when an 18-year-old student from Wharton came forward.

The male student “told the school resource deputy that he had found the bullet in his apartment complex on the way to the bus,” a school district media release said. “Apparently, he had placed it in his pocket and it fell out on the bus without his knowledge.”

It is unclear at this time if the student will face any repercussions. A call to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office was not immediately returned.

Are you concerned about your child’s safety in school? Share your thoughts in the comments section.