Student in custody after firearm displayed at Jefferson Elementary

GOSHEN, Ind. -- A Jefferson Elementary School student allegedly displayed a firearm to other students on Tuesday, according to officials at Middlebury Community Schools.

On February 19, a student reported to an adult that another student at Jefferson Elementary School displayed a gun to several children at the school.

Local law enforcement, the school resource officer and the school administration, upon learning this information, took the student into police custody.

Law enforcement promptly conducted a search of the premises and parents of children who attend the school were notified of the incident through social media and telephone calls.

Middlebury Community Schools officials posted the following statement to Facebook:

Middlebury Community Schools takes most serious the safety of its students, teachers and staff and will take all necessary steps to provide them a learning environment free of danger.

On Tuesday, February 19, 2019, a student at Jefferson Elementary School displayed a firearm to other students; one of the students reported the gun’s presence to an adult. Upon receiving this report, the school administration, the school resource officer and local law enforcement authorities took the student into custody. A police report was made and no student was harmed. A sweep of the school premises was performed by law enforcement officials. School parents were alerted to the situation by telephone and social media.

Indiana requires that a student in possession of a firearm on school property be expelled for one calendar year. Possession of a firearm on school grounds or school bus constitutes a Level 5 Felony under Indiana law, carrying an incarceration period of one to six years and a fine up to $10,000.

Middlebury Community Schools and law enforcement personnel’s timely response secured the safety of our students and employees.

Middlebury Community Schools will not tolerate such activity. Appropriately severe student discipline and judicial punishment will be sought and imposed. “Our students are regularly taught the principle ‘see something, say something’. That lesson paid off. Our students are our most valuable, future resource; we will guard them well.” stated Jane Allen, superintendent of Middlebury Community Schools. A regular school day will occur tomorrow, February 20, 2019 at Jefferson Elementary Schools.

State and federal privacy laws prohibit further comment by Middlebury Community Schools at this time.