A 12-year-old student arrested after allegedly bringing a gun to school

(RUSH, Colo.) – The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) said a 12-year-old student is facing charges after allegedly bringing a gun to school in the Miami-Yoder School District.

On Thursday, November 21, at approximately 12:43, EPSO contacted the school following a call from a member of staff who said that a school security officer had detained a student after finding a weapon in his backpack.

Upon arrival, deputies initiated an investigation, seized the handgun and ensured the safety of the school, students and staff.

According to EPSO, the student showed the gun to another student on the bus home on Wednesday, November 20. After receiving the alert, security and school staff searched the student’s locker and found a gun in his backpack.

The student was then located, removed from class and taken to safety. The gun was not loaded because the student found it unloaded at home before taking it to school.

“This situation highlights why it is so important for parents to regularly check their children’s belongings before and after school,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “It is very important to stay informed about your child’s communications, whereabouts, friendships and potential access to contraband or weapons.”

Officers went to the 12-year-old’s home and met with them and their parents. The student has now been charged with a number of charges, including: Unlawful carrying of a concealed weapon, unlawful possession of a handgun by a minor, and unlawful carrying of a weapon on school property.

“I am grateful that this issue was resolved quickly and without incident thanks to the quick actions of the Miami-Yoder School District and my deputies,” Roybal added. “Their quick response ensured no harm occurred and my deputies conducted a thorough investigation. Keeping our schools safe is a top priority for my Office. We will continue to closely monitor and investigate these types of incidents and remain fully committed to protecting schools throughout El Paso County.”

According to EPSO, Miami-Yoder School District officials confirmed they had contacted parents about the incident.

Last week, on Friday, November 22, a concerned parent contacted FOX21 News and stated that they had not received any information about the incident other than the school’s automated message stating that there were weapons at the school. When the parent reached out about the situation, according to an email sent to FOX21, the employee responded that the notification was sent immediately after the investigation was completed and that there would be no further updates due to the lack of a threat and therefore, there would be no special meeting .

FOX21 News reached out to Miami-Yoder Schools but has not received a response. We will update this article as we learn more.

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