Two Bankhead Middle School students have been arrested and are facing numerous charges, including possession of a deadly weapon on school grounds.
Cordova Police Chief Krimson Culverson said through a press release that Cordova Police received a call Monday that a 13-year-old was missing and a vehicle had been taken. A short time later, it was noticed a firearm was also missing.
Within approximately 35 minutes, the juvenile arrived at the Cordova Police Department in the missing vehicle. The juvenile was traveling alone and was not harmed. Additionally, the juvenile was in possession of a stolen Taurus G3 9mm. Through the investigation of the incident, the police department was able to determine the juvenile had also stolen a Glock 43x 9mm.
According to the press release, the juvenile took the Glock 43x to Bankhead Middle School on Friday, May 12, and gave the firearm to another juvenile while on a school field trip.
Over the course of the weekend, the juvenile kept the firearm and on Monday, May 15, the same juvenile took the firearm to Bankhead Middle School.
Once the police department learned a handgun had been on the school campus and in the possession of two students, Culverson notified Bankhead Principal Amber Freeman.
“The police department and school officials have worked together on this investigation since the police department became aware of this incident,” Culverson said in the release. “Due to the age of the offenders, juvenile probation was contacted and worked with our agency late into the night to secure juvenile petitions.”
As a result of the investigation conducted by Sgt. Trevor Edwards and Culverson, two juveniles were taken into custody late last Monday night. One juvenile faces charges of Theft of Property 1st Degree, Theft of Property 2nd Degree, Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess Pistol, Alteration of a Manufacturer’s Number on a Firearm, and Possession of a Deadly Weapon on School Grounds. A second juvenile faces charges of Possession of a Deadly Weapon on School Grounds and Receiving Stolen Property 3 Degree.
Once the petitions were signed, both juveniles were transferred to a juvenile detention facility.
The students involved will not be named due to their age.
“Since both offenders were arrested and transferred to the appropriate detention center, we do not have any evidence of an ongoing public safety threat,” Culverson said in the release. “While the offenders have been arrested, the police department will continue to investigate this case and follow-up with school officials to make sure no other individuals are involved. In addition, both juveniles are facing expulsion.”
Freeman also posted a statement Tuesday morning to the Bankhead Middle School Facebook Page.
“Please know that the safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our first priority at all times,” she said. “No other safety concerns are evident at this time. If anyone has any information they would like to report, please call the Cordova Police Department. With your continued support, our school can successfully improve the effectiveness of safety measures.”
