UPDATE
PLANT CITY, FL – April 21, 2026 — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Plant City High School student after a firearm was discovered on campus Tuesday afternoon.
According to HCSO, at approximately 2:00 p.m., a School Resource Deputy received information that 18-year-old Isai Luciano Jijon Blas may have been in possession of a firearm while on school grounds. The deputy, along with school administration, conducted a search of the student’s backpack. During the search, officials located a loaded handgun.
Blas, a 12th-grade student, was taken into custody and is facing charges of possession of a weapon on school property and carrying a concealed firearm.
Sheriff Chad Chronister said bringing a firearm onto a school campus is reckless, dangerous, and unacceptable. He added that multiple students have been arrested in recent days for similar incidents and emphasized that such actions are crimes that will result in arrest and accountability.
The investigation remains active. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
— INITIAL REPORT 04/21/2026 —
PLANT CITY, FL – April 21, 2026 — Plant City High School notified parents and guardians of a campus safety incident that occurred today involving a student found with a loaded firearm.
According to the school, a School Resource Deputy received a tip from a student that another student was showing a picture of a gun. The deputy immediately investigated, located the student, and searched the student’s backpack, where a loaded firearm was found.
School officials stated there was no active threat to students or staff but emphasized that the presence of a weapon on campus is unacceptable and taken seriously.
In response, the school announced that beginning April 22, backpacks and lunch bags will not be allowed on campus unless they are clear. The school will also increase law enforcement and security presence.
Administrators said they will continue working closely with law enforcement and will take appropriate disciplinary and legal action. They also reminded families that bringing a weapon onto a school campus is a felony and can result in arrest and expulsion.
The school encouraged students and families to report any safety concerns immediately. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL
