## Off-Campus Altercation Leads to Firearm on Campus and Two Juvenile Arrests
TAMPA, Fla. – A dispute between children earlier this week resulted in the arrests of two boys, ages 12 and 15, after a loaded handgun surfaced on a school campus and threats appeared online, according to the Tampa Police Department.
Investigators traced the incident back to an off-campus fight on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. During that altercation, police say 12-year-old Torrey Eldridge pointed a flare gun at 15-year-old Thor Mangas and several other children, threatening to shoot them.
### Discovery of the Firearm on Campus
The next day, Tuesday, Sept. 15, Mangas brought a fully loaded firearm to school. School officials and officers acted on a tip from a student and took Mangas into custody on campus without incident. Authorities confirmed that Mangas had not made direct threats against students, teachers, or staff before officers found the weapon.
### Online Threats Investigated
After officers took Mangas into custody, police received reports about online threats directed at Robinson High School. Detectives looked into the social media posts and determined that the earlier fight involving Eldridge was the actual source of the threats circulating online.
### Arrest of the 12-Year-Old
On Wednesday, Sept. 16, officers arrested Eldridge at school. The 12-year-old now faces two felony counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
### Department’s Message to the Community
Following the arrests, the department emphasized that potential dangers on school grounds require immediate reporting.
“School-based threats are taken seriously and will not be tolerated,” the department stated. “All reported threats are investigated, and parents, students, teachers, and staff are encouraged to report concerns directly to law enforcement or through FortifyFL.”
Police also urged families to monitor what their kids do online and watch what they pack in their bags.
“Parents and guardians are also encouraged to stay engaged with their children and be aware of their online activity, including conversations on social media and messaging apps, as well as anything they may bring to school,” the department added. “Maintaining a safe school environment is a shared responsibility. Prompt reporting of any threat can help ensure the appropriate action can be taken.”
### Moving Forward
These arrests highlight how quickly an off-campus conflict can escalate into a serious safety concern on school grounds. The swift response from school officials, officers, and the student who came forward prevented what could have been a tragic outcome. Both juveniles now face legal consequences, and the investigation underscores the importance of community involvement in keeping schools safe.
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