LAWRENCE — A student attempted to bring a handgun into Lawrence Central High School on Thursday, according to school officials.
The MSD of Lawrence Township sent a note to parents addressing the situation. The note says the student had arrived late and was "immediately searched" due to "erratic behavior suggestive of being under the influence."
During that search, school officials uncovered a weapon inside the student's book bag. The weapon was immediately secured and the school says the student did not pose a threat to students or faculty at any time.
School officials are working with the Lawrence Police Department to determine the source and intent of the weapon and the student will be dealt with according to school policies.
Gary Woodruff, deputy chief for Lawrence police, said the student is a 16-year-old boy. The boy was taken to the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center, Woodruff said.
You can read the school's full letter to parents below.
Dear Parents,
Lawrence Central High School and the MSD of Lawrence Township are committed to providing a safe learning environment for our students. We affirm this commitment by notifying parents of events that affect campus and/or community safety, as we work in partnership to support the wellbeing of our students. This morning, a student attempted to bring a handgun in to the building. The student arrived late and was immediately searched, due to erratic behavior suggestive of being under the influence. It was at the time, prior to entry in to the main building that the weapon was uncovered in a book bag and immediately secured. At no point did the student or weapon provide eminent threat to students or faculty.
Administration and the Lawrence Police Department are working to determine the source and intent of the weapon. We will then proceed in following with the district’s established conduct policies around weapons on school property, and take this situation very seriously.
Please contact me directly if you have additional questions about this incident. Thank you for your support of our students and school.
Sincerely,
Mr. Franklyn Bush
Principal
