Student charged after gun found inside backpack at Hazel Park High School
A teen was charged after police say a gun was found inside a backpack on Thursday at Hazel Park High School.
On Friday, the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office charged the 15-year-old with felonious assault with a gun, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a firearm in a school zone.
Police say the high school in Hazel Park, Michigan, received a tip through the OK2Say app about a student having a gun at school, prompting the assistant principal to call school resource officers. The officers identified and interviewed the student, who denied having the gun.
A search of the student's locker did not uncover a gun. During that time, the student and his father were told that he could come back to the school pending the investigation. The student went to get his items from his locker and then asked to get his backpack from his class.
The officers searched the backpack where they found the gun.
Further investigation determined that the student was in the school weight room when he took offense to name-calling. The two students agreed to go into the locker room and fight. The 15-year-old went into the locker room and pulled out a gun from a backpack and put it in his waistband. Police say the student then lifted his shirt, showing the gun, and told the other students that he was going to get shot.
Police say the incident was not initially reported to staff.
Police are investigating where the student got the gun, which was not reported stolen.
"The department wants to remind gun owners of their responsibility in making sure their guns are secured from children at all times. Students are reminded to use the 0K2Say app if you see or hear of a gun in the school," Hazel Park police said in a news release. "The app allows for tips to be reported confidentially. The actions by reporting and event like this may have prevented a tragedy. The police department does not believe there is any further threat to students or staff. There will be another uniform presence by police at the High School on Monday to makesure staff and students feel safe."
