Gun found in Concord High School student's backpack Monday

ELKHART, Ind. -- A student has been removed and will not be returning to Concord High School after they were found to have a gun in their backpack around 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11. 

School officials say they were informed that the student might have a gun, and, within minutes, the student was located and the backpack confiscated. 

Inside the backpack was an unloaded 9mm handgun, but the student allegedly had bullets and a switchblade knife in their pockets.

The student is being held at the Elkhart County Juvenile Detention Center. 

Full statement from Concord High School:

Concord High School families,

Thank you for your support as we navigated a difficult student situation today at Concord High School. We want to update you about a few additional details and make clear that the student will NOT be returning to Concord High School, and that this was an isolated incident pertaining to only this individual student.

At about 1:00 p.m. today (Monday, Nov. 11), high school administration was made aware that one of our students may have brought a gun to school. Within minutes of finding out about the possible weapon, the student was located in the CHS office and the students’ backpack was confiscated without incident.

An unloaded 9mm gun was found inside the backpack. We immediately investigated, confirmed the existence of the gun, and confiscated it, eliminating any potential risk to students or staff. During the investigation, Concord Community Schools Police Department officers also located a switchblade and bullets in the students’ pants pocket.

The student who brought the gun to school is currently detained at the Elkhart County Juvenile Detention Center, pending charges of possession of a firearm while on school property, and possession of a knife while on school property. The case will be referred to the prosecutor’s office. Again, the student will not be returning to Concord High School.

Thank you for your partnership and support.

Additional statement put out by Concord Community Schools on Wednesday:

At Concord Community Schools, safety is our priority, and we will always take immediate action when we become aware of a potential concern. We greatly appreciate the students who reported Monday’s situation, enabling us to respond swiftly. We encourage anyone who has a concern to complete the See Something, Hear Something, Say Something form, which is available on our website at www.concordschools.com. Forms that are submitted are immediately sent to appropriate personnel for further review.

In response to Monday’s incident, we have taken several immediate steps to review and reinforce our existing security measures. Our Concord Community Schools Police Department employs two full-time police officers who are present throughout our schools each day. Our Chief of Police was at the school when the incident occurred and has been in the building each day since. The day following the incident, both officers and additional administrators were at the high school for additional security during student arrival.

We also work closely with county law enforcement officers to ensure alignment and support. Additionally, we are reviewing our security protocols to ensure we are doing everything possible to maintain a safe learning environment. We are committed to continuing to make any necessary adjustments to our safety practices.