Twin Rivers School District addresses incident involving student with handgun

TWIN RIVERS, Mo. (KBSI) — A Twin Rivers school bus, carrying the 5th and 6th grade boys’ and girls’ basketball teams and two district coaching staff members, was in route to Naylor High School for a game when a student reported another student on the bus possessing a handgun in their duffle bag.

The coaching staff immediately secured the duffle bag and moved the student to the front of the bus. They contacted the building principals and the superintendent to confirm the presence of the handgun. Authorities were then alerted, and the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office was called to meet the bus at Naylor High School.

Upon arrival, one coach escorted the other students into the gym, while the other coach and the bus driver remained on the bus with the student and the duffle bag. A Ripley County deputy and a Juvenile Officer confiscated the handgun and conducted interviews. As of 8 p.m. this evening, the student was awaiting transport to the Stoddard County Juvenile Detention Center.

The district emphasized that student and staff safety remains a top priority. “I want to personally commend our coaching staff and bus driver for their swift, decisive action, communication, and calm demeanor,” the district’s statement read. “The district has zero tolerance for prohibited weapons on our campuses, buses, or other school property. Any violation of this policy will result in severe consequences.”

The district reassured the community that the investigation is ongoing but believes this to be an isolated incident, with no other students involved. “I understand that incidents such as this can be 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,” the statement said.

Parents and community members with further questions can contact the Central Office at 573-328-4321.