MPD reports on gun at school

MPD reports on gun at school

Williams offers thanks for cooperation, coordination

ralphhardin@gmail.com Marion Police Lt. Detective Freddy Williams offered a full report on the Feb. 19 incident at Marion High School involving a gun on campus.

“On Friday morning at approximately 8:35 a.m., the Marion Police Department, Marion school staff and Sheriff’s Department personnel were notified by the Rave Notification Alert System, which is used at all Marion schools in case of an emergency,” said Williams.

All Marion school staff were recently trained on how to respond when the Rave notification system is activated.

“A quick response by all involved parties and a lockdown of the schools helped with the successful outcome of this incident,” Williams said. “Information was received which initiated the lockdown of the schools in reference to a gun being present in a class room at the Marion High School.”

After further investigation and a search of the room in question, a single, unloaded gun was located in a student’s backpack.

“Witnesses were interviewed and a 16-year-old juvenile was arrested for Possession of a Firearm on School Property and Possession of a Defaced Firearm,” said Williams. “We would like to thank all responders, school officials, and the sheriff’s office for their quick response to help rectify this situation in a timely manner.”

By Ralph Hardin