MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) - Miami-Dade Schools Police arrested four students who were detained at Norland Senior High School after, authorities said, a loaded gun was discovered on school grounds, Friday morning.
The students, three males and one female, were charged with possession of a firearm on school property.
Officials issued a lockdown at around 9 a.m. and said police received an anonymous tip through the “See Something, Say Something” program after suspecting a gun in another student’s possession.
“It was getting scary because security guards were knocking on the door, and we didn’t know if it was the person with the gun, or if it was a security guard trying to tell us,” said student Kayla Martinez.
Another mother spoke to 7News and said she was not able to get many details from her daughter. “She can’t tell me anything,” she said. “She said they’ve been holding them in class all day long. She said the teacher won’t tell her nothing. I guess they took everybody’s phone. The teacher just gave her back her phone. That’s how she told me it’s on lockdown.”
“That’s dangerous, I mean, you know, I hear it, so I’m coming right away to get them,” said concerned mother Annette Johnson.
Police found the loaded handgun shortly afterwards and detained five people: two females and three males.
“Somebody snitched on them,” said one student.
7News cameras captured Miami-Dade Schools Police taking the detainees into custody for further questioning.
Parents stood by outside as police officers searched the school. “I’m just waiting to get my son out, because he texted me saying he was on a ‘Code Red,'” said concerned mother Alaiya Smith.
The lockdown was lifted shortly after noon. No one was hurt.
Officials said the students who were detained had possession of the gun at one point or another during the morning.
“Five students? You know, it used to be, when you got upset, you had fistfights,” said parent Lola Styles. “Now, [when] they get upset, they bring guns. It’s terrible.”
Four of those students were later placed under arrest; one of the female students who was detained was not charged.
A student told 7News she didn’t even know about the gun until her mother told her. Her reaction? “I don’t want to be here anymore,” she said.
School officials said the outcome of the incident shows that “See Something, Say Something” is effective. The person who gave the anonymous tip is eligible for a cash reward.
Detectives continue to investigate.
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