The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a student for bringing a weapon to Beth Shields Middle School.
On Monday, September 30, 2024, at approximately 8 a.m., an HCSO School Resource deputy assigned to Beth Shields Middle School received a tip about a student "spark testing" a taser at a school bus stop.
An administrative search revealed that Jalexy Mendoza, 13, had a taser in her purse.
Through investigative means, deputies learned that Mendoza had borrowed the weapon from a family member and brought it to school because she had a problem with another student.
"It is unacceptable that someone would bring a weapon to school to terrorize another student," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Thanks to the quick actions of our School Resource deputy, we were able to prevent a potentially dangerous situation. Let me be clear: we will pursue every tip and do whatever it takes to keep our schools safe."
Jalexy Mendoza is facing one charge of Possession of a Weapon on School Property.
This is an active investigation; any update will come from the Public Affairs Office.
