BROSELEY, Mo. (WSIL) -- Authorities said a gun was found in a bag on a bus full of students as they were traveling to a basketball game on Monday afternoon.
A statement from the Twin Rivers R-X School District Superintendent says on February 24, a school bus was carrying 5th and 6th grade students with the boys' and girls' basketball team going to Naylor High School for a basketball game.
During this trip, the superintendent stated a student told a coach there was another student who had a handgun in their duffle bag.
School officials said the coaching staff then secured the duffle bag and moved the student to the front of the bus and called staff administration with the Naylor School District to inform them about the situation.
Once the bus arrived at the school, the Twin Rivers School superintendent said a deputy with the Ripley County Sheriff's Office, along with a juvenile officer, took the handgun and conducted statements.
The other students on the bus were reported to have been escorted inside the school while the student in question was awaiting transportation to the Stoddard County Juvenile Detention Center, school officials added.
A statement was shared from Twin Rivers R-X on February 24. You can find it below...
"Dear Twin Rivers Community:
"Late this afternoon a Twin Rivers school bus carrying the 5" and 6"h grade boys' and girls' basketball team and two members to the district coaching staff was en route to Naylor High School for games this evening. During the trip, a student reported to the coaching staff that another student on the bus possessed a handgun, stored in their duffle bag.
"The coaching staff immediately gained possession of the duffle bag and moved the student to the front of the bus. The coaching staff called building principals and the superintendent, confirming a handgun was inside the duffle bag, at which time the Ripley County Sheriff's office was called requesting a deputy to meet the bus at Naylor High School. Once arriving at Naylor High School, one coach escorted the other students into the gym while the other coach and bus driver remained on the bus with the student and duffle bag. The Ripley County deputy and Juvenile Officer confiscated the handgun and took statements. As of 8:00 p.m. this evening, the student in question is awaiting transportation to the Stoddard County Juvenile Detention Center.
"As always, our top priority is the safety of our students and staff. I want to personally commend our members of the coaching staff and bus driver for their swift, decisive action, communication, and calm demeanor. The district has zero tolerance for prohibited weapons on our campuses, buses, or other school property. Any violation of this policy will be met with severe consequences in accordance with school policy and state law.
"While this remains an ongoing and active investigation, it appears to be an isolated incident with no other students involved. I understand that incidents such as this can be very unsettling, and I want to assure you that we are taking all necessary steps to address this situation and prevent similar incidents in the future. I appreciate your cooperation and support as we work together to ensure a safe environment for all. If you have further questions, do not hesitate to call Central Office 573-328-4321." - Rob Brown, Superintendent for Twin Rivers R-X
