Teen suspended for bringing gun to PR high school

PRIEST RIVER - A student has been suspended for bringing an Airsoft pistol to Priest River Lamanna High School on Friday.

Mike McGuire, West Bonner County School District superintendent, said the student admitted to possession of the black handgun at school.

According to Priest River Police Chief Ray Roberts, the gun taken into evidence looks like a real pistol and would be mistaken as a firearm by any police officer on the street until a closer examination.

Roberts said possession of a firearm on school grounds is also a misdemeanor and this matter has been referred to the county prosecutor for further review.

McGuire said the student has been suspended pending the completion of the investigation and a board hearing on a recommendation for expulsion.

McGuire said PRLHS Principal Brad Madison was advised after school Friday that the student had been seen with a weapon during the day.

The student was contacted at his residence in the county on Saturday morning by Priest River Police Department and Bonner County Sheriff's Office.

Airsoft is a type of gun, similar to a paintball gun, that uses air or a spring to project a plastic BB.

According to school district policy, any student who uses, possesses, controls, or transfers a firearm, or any object that can reasonably be considered, or looks like, a firearm, shall be expelled for a definite period of time of at least one calendar year.

The board, however, may modify the expulsion period on a case-by-case basis.

If a student violating this policy is identified as disabled, either under the IDEA or Section 504, a determination must be made whether the student's conduct is related to the disability, according to the policy. If the violation of the policy is due to a disability recognized by the IDEA or Section 504, lawful procedures for changes in placement must be followed.

According to McGuire, the student has been suspended pending the completion of the investigation and a board hearing on a recommendation for expulsion. The district team is continuing to investigate the incident and will make its recommendation to the board within a week.