Feb 26, 2021

Student arrested at Kansas high school with gun in backpack

Posted Feb 26, 2021 3:01 PM

SHAWNEE, Kan. (AP) — Police in the Kansas City, Kansas, suburb of Shawnee say a high school student found with a handgun in his backpack at school has been arrested.

The Shawnee Police Department said in a news release that the gun and other contraband were found by Shawnee Mission Northwest High School staff Thursday morning in a search of the student's backpack.

Principal Lisa Gruman sent the following note to parents.

"Dear Shawnee Mission Northwest High School Families,

I am writing to inform you of an incident that took place here at Northwest this morning. One of our students was found in possession of a weapon this morning. The weapon was discovered during an investigation of an unrelated matter, and there is currently no evidence that the student had any intention of using the weapon here at Northwest. I can assure you that this matter will be handled in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and district policies.

This is the extent of the information that can be released at this time. I do want to assure you that we are doing everything in our power to maintain Northwest as a safe learning environment. We appreciate your support."

 Police confiscated the gun during the arrest. Police did not release the student's name.