West Lafayette, IN — A 14-year-old boy at Harrison High School was taken into custody Tuesday after administrators discovered a 9mm handgun in his backpack. The Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the student was arrested and transported to a juvenile detention facility.
Gun Found During Investigation
School officials said the weapon was discovered while administrators were looking into another matter. Harrison High School Principal Cory Marshall notified parents shortly after the incident.
“During an investigation into another matter, administrators discovered an unloaded handgun in a student’s backpack,” Marshall wrote in a message to families.
The sheriff’s department confirmed that the gun had no ammunition or magazine with it at the time it was found.
No Immediate Threat Reported
Officials emphasized that the student did not appear to have planned an attack.
“Our investigation found that the student brought the weapon to school without the intent to harm anyone,” Marshall stated. “Although there was no ammunition and no intent to harm anyone, this is a very serious matter, and appropriate action will be taken.”
The principal also reassured families that safety remained the district’s highest concern.
“The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority,” Marshall said.
Arrest and Juvenile Detention
According to the sheriff’s department, the boy was arrested on campus and immediately transported to the juvenile detention center. Authorities have not released details about potential charges, citing the student’s age.
Local officials told the Journal & Courier that the investigation remains ongoing, and further disciplinary actions will be determined by both the school district and the juvenile justice system.
Community Concerns
While the incident did not involve ammunition or threats of violence, it has raised concerns among parents about how weapons can make their way onto school grounds. Education leaders stressed that quick intervention by administrators prevented a potentially dangerous situation.
Parents are encouraged to discuss school safety with their children and report any suspicious behavior immediately.
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