4 Plant City High Students Arrested After Loaded Guns Found in Backpacks

Authorities say the students attempted to hide the firearms on school grounds after a physical altercation.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a dark background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the discovery of firearms in student backpacks at a high school.A single bullet casing found in a student's backpack at Plant City High School serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by firearms on campus.Plant City Today

Four students at Plant City High School in Florida were arrested on April 17, 2026, after school officials and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office discovered two firearms, one of which was loaded, in backpacks that were being passed between the students following a physical altercation on campus.

Why it matters

Bringing firearms onto a school campus is a serious safety concern that can put students and staff at risk. This incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and strict policies against weapons in schools to prevent potential violence.

The details

After a physical fight involving multiple students, an investigation revealed that two 14-year-old students, Pedro Pascual-Perez and Pedro Perez-Jimenez, had handed their backpacks to two other 15-year-old and 14-year-old students, Francisco Ramos-Pedro and Charlin Silvan-Carmen, who then attempted to hide the bags on school grounds. A search of the backpacks uncovered the two firearms, one of which was loaded.

  • The incident occurred at 1:40 p.m. on April 17, 2026.

The players

Pedro Pascual-Perez

A 14-year-old student at Plant City High School who was charged with possession of a firearm on school property, being a minor in possession of a firearm, and disrupting a school campus or function.

Pedro Perez-Jimenez

A 14-year-old student at Plant City High School who was charged with possession of a firearm on school property, being a minor in possession of a firearm, and disrupting a school campus or function.

Francisco Ramos-Pedro

A 15-year-old student at Plant City High School who was charged with tampering with physical evidence, possession of a firearm on school property, and being a minor in possession of a firearm.

Charlin Silvan-Carmen

A 14-year-old student at Plant City High School who was charged with tampering with physical evidence, possession of a firearm on school property, and being a minor in possession of a firearm.

Chad Chronister

The Hillsborough County Sheriff who stated that the school district has zero tolerance for weapons on campuses and will hold those responsible accountable.

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What they’re saying

“Bringing firearms onto a school campus is a serious and dangerous decision that puts students and staff at risk. Thankfully, this situation was contained before anyone was hurt.”

— Chad Chronister, Hillsborough County Sheriff

What’s next

The Sheriff's Office stated that the investigation remains active, and further details may be released as the case progresses through the judicial system.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the critical importance of maintaining strict policies and security measures to prevent firearms and other weapons from entering school campuses, in order to protect the safety of students and staff. It also highlights the need for continued education and intervention to address the root causes that may lead some students to bring dangerous items to school.