Video: Tipped Off To TikTok Video, School Resource Deputy Arrests Atlantic High Student With Gun On Campus

Date Added: March 08, 2022 5:52 pm

Andrew Gant
Office of Public Affairs & Media Relations

TIPPED OFF TO TIKTOK VIDEO, SCHOOL RESOURCE DEPUTY ARRESTS ATLANTIC HIGH STUDENT WITH GUN ON CAMPUS

Acting on a tip about a TikTok post Tuesday morning, a school resource deputy at Atlantic High School located and arrested a student who brought a loaded gun to school.

The deputy was notified around 11:40 a.m. after the TikTok video was reported to school administration. In the video, 16-year-old Anthony Loos (DOB 5/4/2005), appeared to have a gun tucked into his waistband. School Resource Deputy Paul Passerrello learned that Loos was in the school gymnasium, headed there and found him on the basketball court.

Deputy Passerrello escorted Loos to a hallway away from other students. He asked Loos to show his waistband area, which revealed the pistol grip visible in the front. Deputy Passerrello handcuffed Loos, removed the gun and escorted him to the deputy’s office. The Sig Sauer model P365 9mm handgun contained a loaded magazine with 10 bullets. A second loaded magazine with 11 bullets along with a holster were discovered in Loos’ backpack.

Further investigation revealed that Loos stole the handgun from a relative’s locked closet without permission. The relative is pressing charges for the theft.

A second student who recorded and uploaded the TikTok video indicated she didn’t realize Loos had a gun and thought he was showing his abs when he pulled up his shirt, revealing his waistband.

Loos, who stated he brought the gun to campus because he had been robbed at work last week, is charged with possession of a firearm on school property, grand theft of a firearm and carrying a concealed firearm. He was transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice to be held in secure detention.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood praised the quick actions of Deputy Passerrello as well as the student who reported the video: “This is exactly what we ask of every single person on every school campus in Volusia County: See something, say something, and help us keep our schools safe for everyone.”