Student to remain in custody after bringing gun to Washington High School

by Dustin Grove (grove@wsbt.com)

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Washington High School student is in custudy after being caught at school with an automatic 25-caliber handgun

A Washington High School student is in custudy after being caught at school with an automatic 25-caliber handgun on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

SOUTH BEND — Another student is suspended and behind bars after bringing a gun to school. In South Bend, it's the second time this school year.

It happened Tuesday morning at Washington High School. The teenager appeared in court for the first time Wednesday.

Police say he had violated the school's uniform policy. But once inside the dean's office, breaking the dress code was the least of his problems.

"They took him to the dean's office and it was later determined that he had an automatic 25-caliber handgun in his front pocket,” explained Capt. Phil Trent of the South Bend Police Department.

The student was immediately suspended and police were called to arrest him.

Wednesday, inside the Juvenile Justice Center, a court magistrate decided to keep the teen behind bars while prosecutors consider filing formal charges, calling his actions "detrimental to him, the community, and the school corporation at large."

The gun wasn't loaded, but police say it's possible the student may have brought it to school to threaten someone.

This week's incident comes less than two months after an 11-year-old student brought a loaded gun to Greene Intermediate School.

Three others students, including 14-year-old Cody Long, were also disciplined for handling the gun.

"I just learned you gotta make the right decision,” Cody told WSBT News in an interview on February 5. “You gotta think before you act."

That’s a message authorities say too many children aren't hearing.

No formal charges were filed against this student, and we still don't know why he brought it to school or where he got it. But we've learned he has been suspended and possibly could be expelled from school.

Thursday there will be a presentation at Greene Intermediate to talk to the students about how important it is to tell someone if they see a student with a gun. One board member says they don't normally do these presentations for students so young, but she said it has to be done.

Tuesday, Apr 29 at 9:09 PM Billy Bob Hoskins wrote ...

These kids are so young. They live in bad neighborhoods. You know that they are probably only doing it for self-defense. However, it would be a wiser and safer decision for the student to just tell a teather or a offical about it. I understand their reasoning, but there are much easier and safer ways.

Monday, Mar 10 at 9:01 PM TROYER wrote ...

WHEN IS AMERICA GOING TO LEARN THAT WE NEED TO PUT GOD BACK IN OUR SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, ETC. IF GOD ISN'T THERE, SATAN IS THE ONLY ONE LEFT TO BE THERE. WHERE ARE THE PARENTS? AMERICA WAS FOUNDED ON THE PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIANITY. WHAT HAPPENED?

Friday, Feb 15 at 3:31 PM anonymous wrote ...

the kid didn't bring in the gun because he was getting bullied. get the facts people.

Friday, Feb 15 at 5:11 AM Ed wrote ...

As Paul Harvey said years ago after the Oregon School shooting "Funny how guns moved into schools after they kicked God out". No one could have said it better or been more correct then that.

Friday, Feb 15 at 12:14 AM Marian Alumni wrote ...

you know as I read all the comments, it's sad to see the hatred or ignorance by some here who feel the PROBLEM is because of location or income. My wife is a Washington Alumni and as we share stories, it seems there was more problems @ Marian than Washington. I'm a proud Mishawakan, but FACTS are FACTS, this has nothing to do with the West-Side or South Bend. Simply a lack of responsibility by the parents, who CHOOSE to be parents. Society's problem is that GOD is not the center any longer.

Thursday, Feb 14 at 11:32 PM judy wrote ...

Well Sue, them maybe its time for the child welfare to step in. I am not saying your wrong at all, honestly I do believe in that to some points. But if we as parents dont stand up and start doing something we are going to be the ones at fault if our children dye, why, cause we seen it coming and didn't do anything abou it.....

Thursday, Feb 14 at 11:26 PM to: Inregards to Lets get this straight wrote ...

I FEEL, AND YES MY FEELINGS ONLY, but I have had a child at the SBCS that was bullied,but you must take the proper steps to get it resolved. So there again, as that childs parent they need to do role and take all the proper steps, cause I DO know that if us parents do go into the schools and talk to who we need to THEY WILL take care of the problem. So YES, lets get this straight, we the parents need to step up...be there for our children when they need us not after its too late...

Thursday, Feb 14 at 8:38 PM Attila wrote ...

Sue wrote: if you go back and look you will find that these troubled kids are from parents that are gang bangers, thugs, want a be's, and drug dealers, or just want kids to get free money. --------- Bore repeating.

Thursday, Feb 14 at 8:35 PM anonymous wrote ...

the staff had control of the situation from the start.

Thursday, Feb 14 at 7:56 PM Ed wrote ...

"let's get this straight" got it soooo.... wrong. The bully's have parents too, what about their responsibility? As for the school; they used to discipline kids and take control but, oh yeah, the parents all wanted to sue if they spanked or disciplined them. Again the parents. Further 85% of what a kid is they learn before age 6 so how is the school at fault for that. If I take a gun to work I will be fired or worse so why should kids not receive the same punishment for the same offense?

Thursday, Feb 14 at 6:40 PM Mom of 2 boys... wrote ...

To Cody Long, Son, you have a lot to learn, or it sounds like you are on the fastrack to prison or worse! First off, it is NOT all about you. Second, bringing a gun to school to "fit in" is so very wrong. No one should want to fit into the crowd that totes guns and threatens or kills people. This will get you NOWHERE in life. It is your type of thinking that scares me for our upcoming generation of people. Where are your parents in all of this. Do you believe in God? You really need some help...

Thursday, Feb 14 at 5:52 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Children must understand the consequences of handling a gun; especially bringing one to school. When a gun is found at a school, I feel a notice should be sent home with every child in the system. We should not soley count on the media to make the report. The punishment should also be shared with every child in the system We MUST let them know the consequences of handling a gun. Guns are available to children -- it's cold harsh reality. We MUST make known the DANGERS and consequences.

Thursday, Feb 14 at 5:33 PM lets get this straight... wrote ...

I agree parent(s) are responsible for kids actions, but so is the school. Have u given any thought to whether the child feels threatened by other students threats? Bullying happens at school more than we're told, but nothing is done about it because the kids telling causes more dire consequences than them facing the bullying. It's not just parents it's the schools lack of control over bullying that causes kids to feel unsafe. Do unto others is a credo kids are taught don't apply at school.

Thursday, Feb 14 at 4:04 PM A Parent of a Child at WHS-Judy Holtsclaw wrote ...

I myself am a parent of a Freshman at WHS. I have not heard one parent say "thank-you" to the STAFF at WHS that has kept our children safe. They took a bad situation and turned it into a safe one. I feel they did a great job w/the whole situation. My son came home from school yesterday not even knowing what had happen, and why? Cause if the Staff would have panick or made one wrong move OUR children could be dead right now..So w/that "THANK-YOU" WHS STAFF FOR KEEPING MY CHILD SAFE.

Thursday, Feb 14 at 3:42 PM Another scared Parent... wrote ...

Has anyone read what this child has wrote here in the comments??? How he speaks and writes??? WOW, another child in the SB school system that can not speak or write proper english..Thats scary in it self, not to mention all he is worried about is kids like him self that can not take count for what they did. I just got done reading the story on these kids and how he said how wrong he was, and then the child speaks out like this..My, My, If I was this childs parent I would be worried...

Thursday, Feb 14 at 3:33 PM Judy wrote ...

Harley Ron, way to go, you have it totally right..We as parents are so easy to put the blame on someone else, when we should be taking the blame. Sorry but I feel not only punish these kids but what about the parents of these kids??? There as much to blame as these "bad" children, there the ones that have not taught the morals. Let me say, my kids are not perfect in any way, but the day they would take a gun to school or totally disrespect a adult I would be a shamed of my self and would hide..

Thursday, Feb 14 at 2:52 PM Gail wrote ...

Catholic Schools are no better than Public school all of those kids are beating up there parents and taking charge of there parents.

Thursday, Feb 14 at 2:45 PM Gail wrote ...

This is to Craig everyone has a parent that include You, You Big Dummy! You must not have kids.

Thursday, Feb 14 at 1:15 PM brock wrote ...

This problem is all over. And the goverment has created it. No matter what a kid does from shop lifting to murder they get a slap on the hand and sent home to Mom and Dad who are afraid to do anything as far as punishment to the kid. In fear of being charged with child abuse. Ask a police men that has worked for 20 years how it is now. Before kids would show respect now it is call my mom you can't touch me or lock me up I am a juvy. And they are right Maybe lower the age for Jails to 15

Thursday, Feb 14 at 12:49 PM sue wrote ...

if you go back and look you will find that these troubled kids are from parents that are gang bangers, thugs, want a be's, and drug dealers, or just want kids to get free money.

Thursday, Feb 14 at 12:37 PM sue wrote ...

you know what people, this isn't the schools, the citys, the police or anyones fault but the parents. i live right in the middle of what they call the hood. i raised 3 kids and spent time with them growing up,we got them involved in sports, cars, dirt bikes, what ever else we could do to make them happy, so they didn't go running out in the streets looking for trouble. and please don't use (you work for a living)as a excuse. b/c so did we. you should always have time for your children.

Thursday, Feb 14 at 11:38 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Cody-What you guys did is wrong. You deserved to be in where you were. A slap on the wrist wouldnt have been the right thing. That doesn't teach know it all kids anything.

Thursday, Feb 14 at 11:24 AM cody long wrote ...

hey why are you guys wanting bad stuff to happin to this kid its not like you are going to that school and your not in danger thats probably why I was in JJC so long because of what you guys said about us he brought the gun to fit in to be somebody and you guys think this place is bad live in GARY and you will know witch one is really bad!!!

Thursday, Feb 14 at 10:48 AM Christine wrote ...

This is just a sign of the times, although america seems have a huge control problem, the right to bear arms is becoming a right to walk into a public place and kill people.

Thursday, Feb 14 at 10:40 AM ms wrote ...

Holy crap Batman - times are a changin. There are issues in all schools, public or private. How about a thank you for the system working. Lets not forget the crud that is on TV, in music, at the theaters and all the other negative influence the kids have displayed to them. Go on the internet and learn how to do anything - including hurting and or killing people. Respect and morals need to be brought back into their lives - otherwise words and punishment are useless

Thursday, Feb 14 at 10:29 AM Parent of WHS Students wrote ...

Its coming down to Metal Detectors in all the schools. No school is safe in our society anylonger

Thursday, Feb 14 at 10:20 AM WEST SIDE wrote ...

I lived on the west side most of my life and I gotta tell you this is nothing new. People seem to forget that it is not just the west side that has problems, It is all over town. We need to clean this town up! First starting DOWN TOWN! The so called leaders of our fine city have done nothing. So lets start there and get rid of them. I think if we would put different people in office this town would not be in the shape it is in. WELCOME TO GARY EAST EVERYONE!

Thursday, Feb 14 at 9:56 AM grandpasmax wrote ...

you have try it mans way--now go back to the 10-commandmants-prayer and gods word-the only way no other--take --god out and all you have is satan and his work.

Thursday, Feb 14 at 9:42 AM Phillips wrote ...

Thank goodness for the system. One day this person will kill someone, or slaughter some women in a department store, and then he will be put away! So, hoorah for the system!

Thursday, Feb 14 at 9:32 AM Winston wrote ...

Yet another non-issue for homeschoolers. No wonder there are more of them every year.

Thursday, Feb 14 at 9:17 AM fred astaire wrote ...

If we put the parents in a jail cell next to their child, both their child and other irresponsible parents just might get the message. If you have children, you as parents, are responsible for their upbringing and actions. Schools and the general public are not your personal babysitters. Signed: It takes two parents not a village to raise a child!

Thursday, Feb 14 at 8:46 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Catholic schools do have problems. Let's not talk about the all the Priest's negative publicity. And if you only knew how many times weapons were brought into a high school, you would never let your kid go to any high school.

Thursday, Feb 14 at 8:14 AM Harley Ron wrote ...

The responsibility for this action lies totally on the parents.SBCSC cannot be held responsible for the parental neglect and upbringing of any child.SBCSC is a Public Education System which promotes education for all youths.It's time for eveyone to except responsibility and to know where your child is and what he is doing.All parents want something better for their children in life and carrers.Also a Catholic Education is fine but they to have their faults/Problems.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 11:14 PM Judy wrote ...

Wait a minute here, were are all forgetting something...Where are these "bad kids" coming from??? has nothing to do with were you live, what kinda house you live in, its all about how us as parents raise our children...Ask yourself this question, would your parents to ever think of bringing a gun to school with them, to yell at adults, or for that fact disrecpt any elder for that matter...We need to stop blaming the West Side, all over, we need to blame the parents...thats where it all starts.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 10:56 PM A St. Joe High Alumni wrote ...

Hey, Mr."Publics Schools Suck"! Are you nuts or were you simply absent the two months a threatening letter at St. Joseph High School made national news? No one has a corner on virtue or saftey or trouble or tensions. The way you think is as dangerous as a student taking a gun to school.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 10:01 PM Public Schools suck! wrote ...

Yep another incident to prove Public Schools suck once again, no surprise here folks! :) Catholic Schools don't have these kinds of problems cause we have a great student body and better morally sound parents to help us out.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 9:21 PM south bend parent wrote ...

It is a shame that this becomes a "South Bend" problem or another "west side incident"...there ARE plenty of good kids and good parents in South Bend, just as there are in Mishawaka and other places. There are excellent programs in many of the high schools for students who pursue them. Hey Mishawaka--wasn't too long ago we were reading about an incident in YOUR middle school...don't think this is a problem unique to South Bend!

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 9:06 PM craig wrote ...

im sure theres no parents in this childs life

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 8:17 PM Real Deal wrote ...

Look where the school is located!Bad news surrounds that area.A bunch of ignorant teens are tearing down So.Bend for real.Get them all locked up if you ask me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 8:07 PM Mishawaka Parent wrote ...

Suprise, suprise! Who would have thunk it. More of the west side at it's finest! Glad no one was hurt and also glad I don't have kids in school in South Bend! I feel sorry for the decent kids that go there! Me thinks I would pull them out, and soon!

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 7:15 PM Walkerton wrote ...

The student should be expelled and kept in jail for at least a year.NO excuses.Everyone says he had no bullets. No bullets were found. HE HAD A GUN TO INTIMIDATE. Nobody is supposed to have a gun at school. At some point someone has to get tough and stop making excuses before someone gets killed. Turning them over to the parents is not working. The parents don't have control and have not taught right from wrong to start with. He is a threat to teachers, students, and any body who gets in his way

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 6:44 PM Anonymous wrote ...

What's SCARES me is that high school students can not read, write, or spell. There are so many fundamentals missing. These kids are in school for the wrong reason. They are more worried about fighting other students than acquiring solid educations.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 6:08 PM crystal kiggins wrote ...

this stuff scars me my boyfriend goes to washington and it bothers me to know that stuff like this happens and there is nothing to do but hope noone gets hurt

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