By JENNIFER HORTON
The Wilson Post

A 13-year-old student has been charged in a juvenile petition with carrying a weapon on school property after an unloaded 9 mm handgun and ammunition was discovered in a bathroom at Castle Heights Upper Elementary School on Thursday.

Lebanon Police Chief Scott Bowen said the department received a call from CHUE officials about 1:05 p.m., yesterday, in reference to a gun found on school property.

By JENNIFER HORTON
The Wilson Post

A 13-year-old student has been charged in a juvenile petition with carrying a weapon on school property after an unloaded 9 mm handgun and ammunition was discovered in a bathroom at Castle Heights Upper Elementary School on Thursday.

Lebanon Police Chief Scott Bowen said the department received a call from CHUE officials about 1:05 p.m., yesterday, in reference to a gun found on school property.

Bowen said the investigation determined the student was walking to school between Watson and Owen Streets when he discovered a handgun and ammunition in a bag off the side of the road.

The student “took it and put into his school bag” and went on to school. While at his locker, the student showed the items to another student. He then took the gun and ammo to a bathroom and placed on top of some duct work. Bowen said he again showed the items to a student.

That student in turn told a teacher about it and the teacher then notified the principal. They searched the bathroom and found the gun and ammunition and immediately notified police.

“The weapon was never loaded,” Bowen emphasized.

“The administration took the proper procedures,” said Randall Hutto, assistant director of Lebanon Special School District. 

“We’re so fortunate the child told someone,” he said, referring to the student who informed a teacher about the gun and ammo.

He said it was important that that student knew what to do and that there was enough trust between that student, the teacher and principal to do the right things. “That’s the key thing.”

The 13-year-old is scheduled for a hearing on Tuesday, the chief added.

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