Blount County was thrust into the spotlight this week as news emerged of a concerning incident at Heritage Middle School. A 13-year-old student, whose identity remains shielded due to their age, was detained after being found in possession of a firearm on school premises. The Blount County Sheriff's Office confirmed the individual is now facing charges linked to delinquency for carrying a weapon on school property and has been placed in the Blount County Juvenile Detention Facility. Officials underscored the gravity of the situation, with the potential for additional charges to be levied against the teen, as reported by WVLT.
The action was taken following a tip received by a school resource officer (SRO), alerting them to the gun being carried in the student's backpack, found upon searching, Sheriff James Lee Berrong informed WBIR. In response to the swift handling of the situation, Berrong stated, "The Sheriff's Office takes tips of this magnitude seriously and deputies follow up immediately." He went on to praise the strength of the associations forged between SROs and pupils, a direct contributor to the quick identification of the student involved.
Further details outlined by the Blount County Sheriff’s Office specified that consequent to the incident, the student would be subject to a hearing in juvenile court within the subsequent 72 hours. This determination of the teen's future legal proceedings was shared by WATE, highlighting the protocols followed in such grave instances. With community safety at the forefront, the Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the firearm's presence at the school.
