Police: Leesburg High student arrested after gun found in backpack

LEESBURG, Fla. — A Leesburg High School student was arrested Friday after police said they found a semi-automatic handgun in his backpack.

Jamonte Chambliss, 18, is charged with carrying a concealed firearm and possessing a firearm on a school campus.

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Investigators said they received a tip on Wednesday that Chambliss had a firearm in his backpack on campus. Officers said they planned to confront Chambliss the next day and search his bag, but that he didn’t return to school.

On Friday morning, investigators said the school resource officer got Chambliss in his office and requested that police be present when they searched his backpack.

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Inside Chambliss’ bag, officers said they found a loaded teal stainless steel 9mm semi-automatic handgun.

Police said the weapon was not reported stolen and that Chambliss does not have a concealed weapon permit.

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