Student arrested after allegedly bringing gun to KC-area high school
A student has been arrested after police allegedly found a gun in their possession at William Chrisman High School in Independence Friday, according to a news release.
School administrators and a school resource officer got a report around 10:40 a.m. that a student may have a gun in their backpack, according to Officer Bryan Conley, a police spokesman.
With the assistance of school staff, officers located the student and found a pistol in their possession, according to a news release. However, police did not say where, exactly, the pistol was found.
Officers secured the pistol and arrested the student, Conley said.
Police said the student did not make threats to any other students or staff. The news release said it is believed the pistol was brought for “protection.” However, police did not immediately respond to questions about what led officers to believe that.
School staff sent a message to families following the incident, notifying them of the reported weapon.
“There is currently a police presence at the building as officers respond to a reported situation. Please know that all students and staff are safe,” the message read.
“Staff quickly located the student, conducted a search, and secured a weapon,” the message read in part. “The student has been taken into custody, and the matter is now being handled by law enforcement. Appropriate disciplinary action will also be taken in accordance with ISD Board policy.”
“Please know that we take these matters seriously, and student / staff safety is a top priority. We appreciate your continued trust and partnership.”
Independence police said it handles all school-related incidents with urgency. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
