The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Plant City High School student for bringing a firearm on campus.
On March 13, 2026, at 8:25 a.m., our school resource deputy and school administrators were notified that there was a student with a firearm.
Two victims reported that Neftali Bautista-Lopez, 16, approached them and demanded cash while threatening to physically harm them. During the incident, Bautista-Lopez showed them a firearm inside his backpack, prompting one of the victims to hand over money.
Deputies located Bautista-Lopez after the incident at his residence in Plant City. He told deputies he left the firearm at his friend’s house. Deputies went to the residence and found the money and the firearm inside his friend’s vehicle. The firearm was not loaded, and there was no ammunition.
Bautista-Lopez was arrested and is being charged with:
• Tampering with Physical Evidence
• Robbery with a Firearm (Less than $750)(Firearm – Possess) (x2)
• Disrupting School Campus or Function
• Minor in Possession of a Firearm
• Carrying Concealed Firearm
• Possession of a Firearm on School Property
“Bringing a firearm onto a school campus and threatening students is a serious crime that will never be tolerated,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Thanks to the quick response from the victims, the school, and our deputies, this situation was addressed before anyone was harmed. We will continue working with our schools to make sure our campuses remain safe places for learning.”
This remains an active investigation, and the Public Affairs Office will provide any updates as they become available.
SOURCE: HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
