BB gun found in backpack of Middletown elementary student

A quick-thinking student is being credited for alerting administrators at Wildwood Elementary School on Thursday before school started that a student had a BB gun in their backpack.

Immediately, the school was placed on lock-down, meaning all entrances and exits were locked, said Destini Burns, communications specialist for the Middletown City Schools District. She said the school day started on time “without a hitch” and the students didn’t know a BB gun was on school grounds.

The student was apprehended by School Resource Officer Robyn Stone, said Middletown Division of Police Chief Rodney Muterspaw. It’s unclear what, if any, charges the student will face.

Two mothers of Wildwood students said they appreciated the actions of the school staff and administrators.

Kelli Quick, a mother of a second-grader, said she hadn’t heard about the incident until she picked up her child Thursday afternoon.

“It’s very upsetting,” she said. “I know it’s just a BB gun, but in this day and age, let’s just say I know those can hurt you.”

Barb Johnson, mother of a fourth-grader, said the district put out a One-Call to parents “just like they are supposed to.”

Then she added: “I think the school acted quickly and appropriately. I didn’t feel threatened in any way. I didn’t have any concerns.”

Burns said no shots were fired and no one was injured. She didn’t know if the student was a boy or girl or their grade.

Principal Keri Hensley sent home a letter with each of the kindergarten through fifth-grade students after school.

“This incident is an isolated incident and the school day continued and ended without any further problems,” Hensley wrote. “I’m very proud of our students being brave to tell adults when they see or hear something suspicious. We are very fortunate that our staff and students are quick to respond when there is a need.”

About the Author