A student at a Blanchard elementary school managed to fire a gun while on the playground that was secured in a Student Resource Officer's (SRO) holster, confirmed Blanchard Public Schools in a recent incident causing concern among parents and the community; no injuries were reported following the gunshot which struck the ground, according to a KFOR report.
After the alarming occurrence, Brady Barnes, the superintendent of Blanchard Public Schools, emphasized that the safety of students and staff is paramount and reassured stakeholders that protocols are being reviewed to prevent future incidents, citing the swift containment of the situation and cooperation with the McClain County Sheriff’s Office, which is conducting a thorough investigation. The district says they are working with the McClain County Sheriff's Office to investigate the incident, as per a statement obtained by KFOR.
During an interaction with students involving junior deputy stickers, there was "some type of incidental contact with his holster," which led to the weapon's discharge. McClain County Sheriff Deputy Scott Gibbons, a public information officer, explained the events during a visit by the SRO, as mentioned in an interview with News9.
"What our investigators will do – they’ve taken possession of the equipment and the firearm. They will put those pieces back together and try to recreate this scenario," Gibbons explained, noting that it is crucial to determine if changes to equipment are necessary, whether it be the holster or the firearm itself; something went wrong, and reiterating the office's stance that the priority is protecting children, which Gibbons echoed, saying, "Safety is our priority," in the same interview with News9.
Blanchard Public Schools and the McClain County Sheriff’s Office's investigation will seek definitive answers with an immediate review of protocols and equipment to ensure the continued safety of the school environment, as emphasized in their respective statements relayed through local news outlets, including a report from OKC Fox.
