INDIANAPOLIS — The Wayne Township school district says a school resource officer found a loaded gun in a student’s backpack Monday afternoon.
The weapon was found at Chapel Hill 7th & 8th Grade Center. Following the discovery, the district reports it notified parents via text, email and its app at 4 p.m. April 29.
Parents received the following message:
"This message is to inform you of an incident that occurred at our school today. We want to make sure you have accurate information and dispel any rumors.
This afternoon, school administration investigated a situation that led to the recovery of a loaded handgun in a student’s backpack. A school resource officer secured the weapon without incident.
A student in possession of any type of weapon on school property is a violation of our Student Code of Conduct and Indiana law, and will be disciplined accordingly.
We all play a vital role in maintaining a safe school environment. Please take this opportunity to encourage your child to share any unsafe situation or behavior with a teacher or trusted adult: 'If you see something, say something.' In addition, our Online Tip Reporting System is available 24/7 to report concerns anonymously."
The district tells 13 Investigates that this was the first gun found in the school this year.
State law requires a student to be expelled for at least a year after being found with a gun on school property.
A Wayne Township spokesperson tells 13News there is not a weapons detection system at Chapel Hill 7th & 8th Grade Center. The district does have a new monitoring system for entrances at Ben Davis High School and Ben Davis Ninth Grade Center and is evaluating if the system should be installed at additional schools.
Last week, 13 Investigates reported the number of Indiana students arrested for a gun offense doubled last year. 13 Investigates found 125 students were arrested for having a gun at school over eight academic years.
An analysis of eight years’ worth of state student arrest reports showed most years, the majority of weapons offenses were linked to knives, but last school year, more students got in trouble for having guns.