Teen accused of bringing handgun, ammo in car at Coronado High School

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — A student's tip led to the discovery of a firearm on Coronado High School property on Wednesday.

A student reported witnessing concerning behavior and alerted a School Resource Officer, prompting a response from the Lee County Sheriff's Office and the School Threat Enforcement Team.

"This incident is an important reminder, if you see or hear something concerning, say something," Sheriff Carmine Marceno said.

"One student speaking up allowed our SROs, K9s and STET to act quickly and keep the campus safe," Marceno said. "I will always make sure our students and educators in Lee County are safe from any threat of violence."

An LCSO SRO at Coronado High School was alerted to concerns involving a student believed to have access to a firearm. Authorities said when the student arrived on campus, a routine backpack check by school administration revealed a handgun holster, Glock backstraps, and an empty ammunition box.

K-9 handler Barrs and K9 Birdie conducted a search of the student's car. The K9 searched the vehicle and indicated the presence of a firearm.

A Glock 17 handgun, three magazines and additional ammunition were found inside the trunk. The School Threat Enforcement Team immediately responded and assumed the investigation.

Detectives said that 19-year-old Christian Viard knowingly brought the firearm and ammunition onto school property.

Viard was arrested and charged with possessing a weapon or firearm on school property and interference with school administration functions.