Student Accused of Flashing Fake Gun on School Grounds

Woodbury High School. Via Google Street View

A Woodbury teen is facing charges after allegedly displaying a replica firearm on school grounds, leading to a widespread police search and foot pursuit.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Washington County District Court, Ber’tavion Anton Boyd, 18, was seen by a fellow student showing what appeared to be a handgun inside his backpack while at Woodbury High School, 2665 Woodlane Dr., on Monday, March 31, 2025.

The witness student reported the incident to school officials, prompting involvement from the assigned school resource officer.

When approached by the officer and asked whether he possessed anything prohibited, Boyd reportedly became agitated and walked away, stating he would not comply with a search. Authorities observed Boyd leaving the school building with a backpack and shortly after, additional officers arrived to assist in locating him.

The student who initially reported the incident told police that Boyd made a comment suggesting he wouldn’t engage in a physical fight but would instead "pop him" while displaying the firearm, described as having a visible handle and sights. The witness said Boyd asked the group not to reveal what they’d seen.

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After an extensive search of the surrounding area, officers located Boyd, who no longer had the backpack nor the firearm in his possession. He led detectives to where he claimed to have left the bag, though no weapon was recovered at that location.

Police searching near a residential area on Cypress Drive found parts of what appeared to be a firearm. The components—including the grip and slide—were later determined to from a replica handgun.

Boyd has been charged with one gross misdemeanor count of using or brandishing a replica firearm or BB gun while knowingly on school property and one misdemeanor count of fleeing a peace officer by means other than a motor vehicle. He faces up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine for the weapons charge.

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