Student finds handgun in middle school restroom in Okeechobee

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. (CBS12) — A gun was discovered in the restroom of a middle school in Okeechobee on Thursday.

A student at Yearling Middle School discovered a handgun in a restroom stall on Thursday, according to the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office (OCSO). The student immediately alerted school staff, who secured the weapon to ensure the safety of the school.

The sheriff's office said that all common areas were thoroughly checked for additional weapons, and there were no indications or threats reported through the Fortify Florida app.

Authorities said surveillance footage of individuals entering and exiting the area is currently under review.

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"We commend both the student, OCSO SROs, and the YMS staff for their prompt actions to ensure the safety of our children," the Sheriff's Office stated on Facebook.

Since the original report, there have been no further threats or actions causing concern, the sheriff's office stated. The Okeechobee County School Board and the Sheriff's Office are working closely together in the ongoing investigation.

Officials urge anyone with information related to the incident to report it through FortifyFL.

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