A suspended Tomlin Middle School student is facing charges after bringing a weapon to school campus.
On November 20, 2025, HCSO STAR units responded to Tomlin Middle School to investigate a report of an armed student on campus.
Detectives learned earlier that morning, while on school property, Luis Prada, 14, displayed what a witness believed to be a firearm.
Detectives discovered that on November 19, 2025, Prada was told he was suspended on November 20, 2025, and was not allowed on campus.
Detectives made contact with Prada, who admitted to bringing a pepper ball gun to the school and showing it to the witness.
Detectives responded to Prada’s residence, where they recovered the pepper ball handgun.
“There is no excuse for this kind of behavior. If you bring a weapon or anything that looks like a weapon near a school, expect to be arrested and prosecuted,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Behavior like this creates fear, disrupts learning, and has the potential to end in tragedy. I am grateful for the swift response of our STAR deputies and the witness who spoke up so we could act quickly to keep students and staff safe.”
Prada was arrested and charged with Trespassing upon School Grounds After Notice and Armed Trespass of a Structure or Conveyance.
This remains an active investigation, and the Public Affairs Office will provide any updates as they become available.
