13-year-old girl arrested after bringing loaded gun to Miami Gardens school

A 13-year-old girl was arrested Wednesday after she brought a loaded gun to Carol City Middle School in Miami Gardens.

A school staff member confiscated the weapon in the morning before the start of the school day after the student brandished the gun at two classmates “in a threatening manner,” Miami-Dade Schools spokeswoman Daisy Gonzalez-Diego said.

“This unfortunate situation could have been prevented if the weapon, which she brought from home, would have been properly secured,” Gonzalez-Diego said in a statement. “We want to remind every parent and member of our community that storing firearms properly can potentially save lives. It is not only prudent, but a legal requirement.”

The student now faces four weapons charges. One of the student’s adult relatives, identified as 34-year-old Kerry Watkins, was arrested and charged with failing to secure a weapon from a minor.

Earlier this month, four students at Norland Senior High School were arrested and charged with possession of a firearm after a loaded gun was found on campus.

This story was originally published November 30, 2016 at 8:00 PM with the headline "13-year-old girl arrested after bringing loaded gun to Miami Gardens school."