Port St. Lucie student accused of bringing gun to school to be tried as adult

FORT PIERCE — The 17-year-old Port St. Lucie High School student accused of bringing a gun to school last month will be tried as an adult.

"This morning, Judge Kathryn Nelson presented his charges at first appearance and gave him a bond of $225,000," said Joseph Abreu, communications manager for the clerk of the circuit court in St. Lucie County.

Tavaress Smith is charged with grand theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm on school property, and possession of a weapon on school property, Abreu said.

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An arraignment hearing is scheduled June 14 with Judge Steven Levin, Abreu said.

Smith was confronted at school April 12 by a staff member after another student said Smith had a gun, said Sgt. Charlie Lumpkin of the Port St. Lucie Police Department.

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The staff member searched Smith's backpack and found a 9 mm Taurus handgun, 70 rounds of ammunition, two magazines, two necklaces, 49 pieces of fake movie money in $100 bills and an electronic shocking device, Lumpkin said.

While customarily not naming juveniles accused of crimes, TCPalm.com does name some juveniles depending on the seriousness of the crime, their age, aggravating circumstances and other factors.

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