Judge orders students to stay at JJC for holiday

by Sarah Rice (srice@wsbt.com)

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Four students from greene intermediate school spend the holidays at JJC

Four students who handled a gun, including the student who is responsible for bringing the gun to Greene Intermediate School, will be spending the holidays in the Juvenile Justice Center.

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Dec 21, 2007 at 4:07 PM EST

Story Updated: Dec 22, 2007 at 2:23 AM EST

SOUTH BEND — Four students from Greene Intermediate Center won't be home for Christmas.

They're accused of handling a loaded gun on a school bus, which later made its way inside the school.

A judge decided Friday to keep the students at the Juvenile Justice Center in order to keep the kids and the community safe.

"He shouldn't even be here. This is a bunch of crock," said parent Tim Long.

Tim Long's 14-year-old son will be spending the holiday at the Juvenile Justice Center.

"They're crying, all of them are crying. This is their first time being away from family,” said Long.

Long's son is one of four students accused of handling a loaded 9mm handgun on a school bus. He says his son doesn't have a criminal past and shouldn't be held responsible.

"I think all the blame should be on the parent of the kid who brought the gun to school,” said Long.

But the Juvenile Justice Center says the reason the students are being held is to protect themselves and others.

"Given the nature of the charges and what might have happened it could have been a tragedy in this community. You have to have a safe environment at the schools and on the buses and in the community for our children," said spokesperson for the Juvenile Justice Center, Bill Bruinsma.

Now, the prosecutor will decide what's next for the students and whether to file formal charges.

"People have to give things very good consideration. They have to look at all the evidence and then bring it to the court and make a good decision," said Bruinsma.

"To me it's nonsense. They should be home for Christmas and bottom line,” said Long.

The prosecutor has 10 days to file those charges. If that doesn't happen, the students will be released.

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