Police say possible high school gun sighting a prank | News

Winter Haven, Florida-- A call regarding a fight and possible gun sighting this afternoon at Winter Haven High School turned out to be a student playing a prank.

Director of Safe Schools, Greg Bonderant, said a call over a Walkie Talkie around 3 p.m. claimed there was an after-school fight in a Winter Haven High School classroom, and that there was a gun and a need for paramedics.

Members of the Winter Haven Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff's Office set up a perimeter shortly after the call to investigate the situation. 

They alerted the media just after 4 p.m. that teams were going from room to room at the school, and that there was no indication of any fight or gun at that time.

The combined team worked together to clear each building on the campus to assure there was no evidence in favor of the student's claim.

After the completion of the investigation, Greg Bonderant reported that a student used the walkie talkie to pull a prank.

At this point, the Winter Haven Police Department will be conducting a full criminal investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this case, no matter how small it may seem, is urged to call the Winter Haven Police Department at 863-291-5858 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). 

Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH reward.