Rifle found in staff vehicle prompts swift response at Perry County School District #32

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

PERRYVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) — Perry County School District #32 officials say a hunting rifle was discovered Friday in the trunk of a staff member’s vehicle on campus, prompting a response from administration and the district’s School Resource Officer.

According to the district, the SRO immediately secured the firearm and turned it over to local law enforcement. Officials said there is no indication the weapon was intended to be used on campus or that any threat was posed to students or staff.

District 32 stated it will follow all relevant Board of Education policies and procedures regarding the incident.

The district also reminded families and staff to exercise extra vigilance during hunting season and ensure firearms are properly secured at home. Firearms are not permitted on school property at any time, including inside vehicles.

The district said in the statement below,

“Earlier today one of our Safety Resource Officers was notified of the presence of a hunting rifle in the trunk of a staff member’s vehicle on campus. The situation was immediately addressed by administration and our SRO safely removed the firearm from campus and turned it over to local law enforcement. There is no indication there was ever a threat to our students or staff.

District 32 will follow all applicable Board of Education policies and procedures with regard to this situation. We cannot comment further as this is an ongoing personnel issue.

This situation serves as another important reminder to the District 32 community to be vigilant during hunting season and make sure firearms are stored securely at home before coming to campus. Firearms must not be brought onto campus at any time, even if they are in a vehicle.

The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.”