GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- Grand Rapids Public Schools security officers confiscated a weapon from a middle school student Wednesday morning.
The incident happened at Burton Middle School at the start of the school day. A concerned parent contacted school leaders early Wednesday morning after getting word about a student’s concerning behavior after school and off of school grounds Tuesday afternoon.
Because of the information provided by the parent, GRPS security officers decided to search the student in question for weapons. Once officers made contact with the student, they found a loaded handgun in the student’s possession.
The Grand Rapids Police Department responded and officers took possession of the weapon and the student was arrested.
“We are beyond disappointed that our children have access to weapons like this. As a community, we cannot tolerate this activity. It’s hurting those we love and destroying far too many lives,” GRPS Superintendent Leadriane Roby, Ph.D. said. “I am grateful that the relationships we have with our GRPS families gave our security team the opportunity to intervene and no one was hurt.”
“Our security officers train rigorously to respond to situations like this in a way that keeps our scholars safe. But the most important work they do is in building connections with our scholars and their families,” said GRPS Chief of Staff and Executive Director of School Security and Public Safety, Larry Johnson. “It takes all of us to ensure our scholars are safe and today’s chain of events shows the impact we can have when we work together.”
Burton Middle was placed in a “code yellow” lockdown as this matter was addressed so that students were not moving about the portion of the building where officers were responding. Because the incident was contained and under control, elementary scholars were allowed to enter their part of the building for school.
A letter was sent home to parents detailing the incident and response.
The student who was in possession of the weapon will face consequences in accordance with district policy and the law.
Anyone with information about this incident or any other school safety concern can contact OK2SAY by calling 8-555-OK2SAY or Silent Observer by calling 616.774.2345.
