A day after the Pilot Butte MS loaded gun incident, a Bend Tech Academy student came across a replica airsoft gun

(Update: Bend Tech Academy incident)

The seventh grader reported possession of weapons to a staff member; others may face charges

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A day after a 12-year-old student was arrested for bringing a loaded gun from home to Pilot Butte Middle School, a community tip confirmed that a Bend Tech Academy student had brought a loaded handgun. – airsoft gun at the school, officials said.

Although an airsoft gun is a replica and not a firearm, they are still not allowed at school, Bend-La Pine Schools spokesman Scott Maben said. Also known as a pellet gun, they usually shoot plastic spheres, usually propelled by compressed air or springs.

The Bend Tech Academy case will be referred to the Deschutes County Juvenile Department, Bend Police Communications Director Sheila Miller said.

A “security incident” text message sent through the BLConnect system said: “Student security is working and students are safe.” He urged parents to read the email sent to families by the BTA principal, who said police had found “no credible threat” to the school:

“Dear BTA families,

This morning, through a community tip, we were made aware that one of our students brought an airsoft gun onto campus. Administrators, counselors and our team of school resource officers met with the student at school and began our safety processes immediately. Our partners at the Bend Police Department have determined that there is no credible threat to the BTA community. Due to student privacy laws, we cannot share any additional information about the board or the student.

Open communication and trusting relationships between staff and students throughout the district and partnership with law enforcement have created conditions that support the safety of our school community. In situations like this, we rely on our trained staff to use our protocols, procedures and policies to respond quickly and keep our community safe.

We understand that situations like this can be difficult to process. This tool provides some talking points to open the conversation about situations related to your student. If you feel you need additional resources and support, please contact us here at BTA.

Thank you for your understanding and support of the Bend Tech Academy community.

Dr. LaKisha Clark

principal

Bend Tech Academy

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Previous story:

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A 12-year-old student at Pilot Butte Middle School was arrested Monday morning after the boy told a staff member he had a loaded gun in his possession, police and Bend-La Schools said Pine. The school district said the student brought the gun from home.

A Bend Police school resource officer was on campus at the time and responded to a radio call from the staff member, a teacher who had immediately taken the seventh grader out of the building and called for help, they said.

The SRO confiscated the gun and took the boy into custody without incident, according to a joint release from Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller and Bend-La Pine Schools Assistant Communications Director Becca Burda.

“How the student gained access to the firearm is currently under investigation,” they said, adding, “At this time, we believe the student acted alone.”

The gender of the student was not disclosed.

The incident remains under investigation, according to the statement. The student was interviewed and then taken to the Deschutes County Juvenile Detention Center.

“There may be additional charges against additional individuals,” the joint statement concluded.

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Letter sent home to Pilot Butte Middle School families

“Dear Pilot Butte Families,

We had a serious safety incident at Pilot Butte this morning. A student reported being in possession of a loaded handgun brought from home. The student reported this to a trusted adult, a teacher who immediately escorted the student out of the building, contacted school administrators and our student resource officer. Additional Bend Police Department personnel and SROs responded. Students and staff are safe and the school is running as normal today.

The student is in police custody and an investigation was immediately launched by Bend Police. Following notification to our school team this morning, we have commenced our security processes without delay. This is both in support of student safety and ongoing research. Due to student privacy laws, we are unable to share any additional information about this incident.

“The Bend Police Department works closely with Bend – La Pine Schools and takes these threats very seriously,” said Lt. Brian Beekman. “We will investigate this incident thoroughly in cooperation with the District.”

We take the safety of our students, staff and families seriously every day. Whenever we become aware of a potential threat at school, we follow policies, procedures and practices. Our layered security systems, partnering with law enforcement, and fostering trust and open communication between staff and students created a situation that supported the safety of our school community .

Each threat is investigated by our school’s threat assessment team, which provides safety recommendations and resources for those involved and the entire school community.

Our Student Services team will be available to assist students and families. The district now has counselors available for students and staff immediately and for the next few days.

I know this information is alarming to hear. It is deeply upsetting to me and our staff at Pilot Butte, who work every day to make it a safe and welcoming place for our students. I also know that our students and families will have many questions about today’s incident. This is an active investigation and we are still looking for answers. We will provide you with more information when we can.

Dr. Steven Cook

Superintendent

Bend – La Pine Schools”