SAN ANGELO, Texas — UPDATE (4:30 p.m.): According to an SAPD press release, at approximately 1 p.m. San Angelo Police were made aware of a student who was possibly in possession of a firearm on campus. School staff and an off-duty SAPD officer who was working security at Lone Star immediately began investigating the incident.
The school was placed on a lockdown as a precautionary method and additional officers were requested on scene.
Multiple juveniles were located, detained and a firearm was eventually located inside of one of the 13-year-old juvenile’s backpack.
"The firearm wasn't loaded, but there was a magazine inside the backpack," SAPD Public Information Officer Richard Espinoza said at the scene.
SAPD’s Criminal Investigations Division arrived at the school and ultimately determined that the 13-year-old juvenile be charged with 'places weapons prohibited', a third-degree felony.
The juvenile was then transported to the Juvenile Justice Center for the charge.
SAPD reported that the suspect did not threaten anyone with the firearm and there were no injuries associated directly with this incident.
From the press release: "The SAPD will continue to work with SAISD to make sure our students/faculty are safe during incidents like this. We would also like to acknowledge the bravery of the student who informed the faculty of a potential threat. We would like to continue to encourage the public to inform us of any potential threats towards our student/staff."
ORIGINAL STORY: Lone Star Middle School has sent a message to parents saying the campus is currently on Hold protocol.
The San Angelo Police Department issued a Nixle alert saying officers are investigating a potential threat to the campus and asked the public to avoid the area.
The San Angelo Independent School District says Hold is used when hallways or specific campus areas need to be kept clear. During a Hold, students and staff remain in their classroom or area.
The San Angelo Independent School District says Hold is used when hallways or specific campus areas need to be kept clear. During a Hold, students and staff remain in their classroom or area.
Students are trained to:
- Clear the hallways and remain in their area or room until the “All Clear” is announced
- Do business as usual
- Staff are trained to:
- Close and lock the door
- Account for students and adults
- Do business as usual
Parents can help by:
- Follow the SAISD pages for updates
- Do not come to the school. School will stay in session, students will not need to be picked up.
- If you are in contact with your child:
- Reassure your child that there is no immediate threat to them when we are in a HOLD
- Encourage them to listen carefully to the directions of their teacher and principals
- You will receive additional communication if a more serious protocol is needed or the HOLD is cleared.
This is a developing story. We have reached out to the SAISD for more information and will update this story as information is received.