Colorado Springs – A 13-year-old boy was arrested Wednesday after officials found a loaded handgun at North Middle School, officials said.
Police were called after a security officer found the .380-caliber semiautomatic handgun in the boy’s locker, said Colorado Springs School District 11 spokeswoman Elaine Naleski.
“There was no intent to harm anyone, according to the student,” Naleski said. She said she knew the reason he gave for bringing the weapon from home, but she would not disclose it.
He was arrested on suspicion of possession of a gun on school grounds, a felony.
Police Sgt. Lisa Cintron said she could not release information about the boy’s statement except that he said he did not intend to hurt anyone.
Naleski said the fact that another student reported the gun is encouraging. “It tells us what we’re doing is working,” she said.
Several school threats have been reported across the state since the shootings at Virginia Tech and the anniversary of the Columbine High School rampage.
On Tuesday, a 14-year-old boy was arrested at Sierra High School in the Harrison School District for allegedly saying he intended to make a hit list.
The Sierra student didn’t bring a gun to school, and no written list was found, said police Sgt. Tommy Thompson.
On Monday, Adams County sheriff’s officials announced they arrested two 14-year-old boys on charges of threatening a “large-scale shooting” at Ranum High School in Adams County. Both boys were arrested at Clear Lake Middle School, where they attended school.
In a separate case, bail was set Tuesday at $25,000 for a 17-year-old student suspected of setting off a small explosion outside Ponderosa High School in Parker on Friday, the eighth anniversary of the Columbine shootings. The blast prompted officials to evacuate the school and call off classes for the day. No injuries or damage were reported.
A hearing was set for May 8 to discuss specific charges. The teen’s name was not released.
