Release posted on 09-23-21 at 2:02 p.m.

At 12:12 this afternoon (September 23, 2021), SPPD's Emergency Communications Center received information that gunshots were being heard at St. Petersburg High School.

Roughly 30 seconds later, the school resource officer confirmed that fireworks had been set off in one of the school's stairwells.

While students and staff quickly exited the building, no one was injured.

An investigation into the incident began immediately, and a 17-year-old student was identified as the suspect. He faces one misdemeanor charge of Disruption of a School Function, in addition to sanctions from the school.

SPPD takes any potential threat to our schools seriously, and would like to remind everyone of the seriousness of engaging in activity that would cause mass hysteria or harm to students. If you see something, please say something.

You can reach St. Pete Police Department at 727-893-7780. You can also send an anonymous message by texting the letters "SPPD" and your tip to TIP411.