An unsettling incident took place at Miami-Yoder Schools last week when a student was found with a handgun in their backpack. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office disclosed the event occurred on November 21st at around 12:43 pm after school security had already detained the student. According to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, the discovery was made following a tip-off that the student had shown the weapon to another student on a school bus the previous day.
Arriving at the school, deputies quickly secured the weapon, ensuring that it was not loaded, and confirmed the safety of the school's environment, including its students and staff. The weapon had been hidden by the student found in their locker who, after riding the school bus, was detained.
The student, under the age of 18, was then taken out of class and placed in a secure area. School staff notified the parents who subsequently met with the administration before the child was released into their care. "This situation highlights why it's crucial for parents to regularly check their children's belongings before and after school," Sheriff Joseph Roybal said, as obtained by El Paso County Sheriff's Office. He further stressed the importance of monitoring children's communications and friendships and potential access to weapons.
Visiting the juvenile's home, deputies interviewed both the youth and their parents, uncovering that the unloaded weapon was found at home before being brought to school. The ensuing charges included Unlawful carrying of a concealed weapon, Illegal Possession of a handgun by a juvenile, and Unlawful carrying of a weapon on school grounds. Recognizing the gravity of such incidents, Sheriff Roybal expressed thanks for the quick response that averted potential harm and proceeded with a thorough investigation conducted by his deputies.
In the wake of the event, the Miami-Yoder School District has made sure to communicate with parents regarding the incident, reinforcing channels of communication between the school environment and families. At the core of such communications is the unwavering commitment to school safety, a sentiment shared by both the school district and the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. As Sheriff Roybal's statement further confirms, the protection of schools throughout El Paso County remains a steadfast priority for his office.
