The Stark County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation of an 8th grade student bringing a gun to school Monday.
The student, who attends Oakwood Middle School in the Plain Local School District, was arrested Monday afternoon and charged with illegal conveyance of a deadly weapon in a school safety zone after a fellow student reported the gun.
Court records state that the black Spring Field Hellcat 9-millimeter gun was unloaded, but had rounds of ammunition “readily available” in the student’s backpack.
The student was also charged with felony theft because he’s accused of taking the gun from an unlocked car without permission.
Stark County Sheriff George Maier tells JMN that a fellow student learned of the gun and reported it to officials.
“The way the situation unfolded exemplifies the importance of collaboration and communication as it relates to school safety and security,” explained Sheriff George T. Maier. “I commend the student who had the courage to speak up and bring this serious situation to the attention of a trusted adult. And I am proud of the immediate response taken by both the Deputy serving as a School Resource Officer in the building and the school administration that lead to a safe resolution.”
The student is facing expulsion and is not allowed on school property, according to Plain Local officials.