A loaded pistol was brought into the Butler Middle School Thursday morning by a student.
Butler School District Superintendent Dr. Brian White said the weapon was discovered in the student’s bag during a routine check shortly after 9 a.m. There are metal detectors at the school.
Butler City Police determined the 13-year-old boy brought the gun to school inadvertently. Lt. Chad Rensel said the boy had switched from an older backpack to his father’s backpack and didn’t notice it contained a gun. The boy had no intent to use or display the handgun in school.
The boy will face juvenile charges including possession of a firearm without a license and possession of a firearm by a minor. An investigation is underway to determine if the father will be charged.
The district will discipline the student per the district’s student conduct policy. The Butler Middle School is located on East North Street in the city of Butler and houses fifth and sixth graders.