On November 7, 2024, Tampa Police arrested 17-year-old Darrice Marvin Saddler for possessing a loaded firearm at Gary Adult School. Saddler arrived at the school to take a GED placement test, where school personnel discovered the weapon during a routine bag check. Thankfully, no injuries occurred, and no threats were made, highlighting the effectiveness of the safety protocols in place. Chief Lee Bercaw emphasized the significance of collaboration between school officials and law enforcement in safeguarding the community. The loaded handgun was discovered to have been stolen from a vehicle, as part of an ongoing investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Additionally, Saddler was found to have multiple active warrants for failing to appear on various charges. Following the arrest, he was taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center. The Tampa Police Department is also actively promoting their Project Locked and Unloaded program, aimed at providing free gun locks to residents to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.