On Friday, Dec. 11, 2015, a 15-year-old 9th grader brought a BB gun to school. The suspect was placed under arrest and was expelled from Miami High.

The event was reported to the administration at 8:30 A.M. by another student who claims to be the suspect’s friend. The suspect’s identity is currently not disclosed, but the event was handled quickly thanks to the suspect’s friend.

“We expect our students to report anything dangerous because this helps keep the school safe,” said Miami High principal Mr. Valdes. “Not only does this help keep everybody safe, but it also sets a good example of how students should react to any situation, regardless if it’s dangerous or not.”

Because the situation did not escalate to something more serious, the school administration did not call a code red. However, the police’s K-9 unit was called on the scene. According to the story “Miami teenager brings BB gun to school, assaults police” published by WSVN channel 7, the suspect was charged with resisting arrest, unlawful possession of a BB gun and police assault.

Mr. Valdes stated that the student made a poor decision. The charges placed on the student will not only stay in his school records, but it will also stay in his police records.

BB guns, while seemingly harmless, can lead to dangerous situations. On Nov. 26, 2014 Cleveland officers fatally shot 12-year-old Tamir Rice when Rice allegedly pointed a gun at police on a playground. The gun turned out to be an Airsoft BB gun resembling a semiautomatic pistol. In a 911 call released by the police, a caller notes that the gun Rice was playing with was “probably fake.” Officers who arrived at the scene, however, were not told about this.

According to the Code of Federal Regulations , Title 15 § 272.2 states that any imitation gun (including paintball or BB guns) must have a bright orange cap affixed to it while it is being manufactured or transported and consumers cannot receive an imitation gun without an orange cap. However, it does not state that the gun needs to have a cap on it during use.