Student brings BB gun onto Poplar Bluff school bus, district says

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) – School officials say a student brought a BB gun onto a school bus Tuesday morning.

Poplar Bluff Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman said the incident occurred April 14. A middle school student alerted staff that a classmate claimed to have a gun, which could be felt inside a backpack.

Administrators located the student, secured the backpack and took the student into custody. They later confirmed the item was a BB gun and not a firearm.

The school resource officer was notified.

Cornman said the district maintains a zero-tolerance policy for this type of behavior and praised the student who reported the concern.

He added that any violation of the student code of conduct will result in disciplinary action in line with school board policy.

“This morning a Middle School student reported that while on the bus, a schoolmate stated he had a gun, which could be felt through his backpack. Once notified, school administration immediately secured the backpack and detained the student. While in the office, it was confirmed there was a weapon; however, it was not a firearm, but rather a BB gun. Our School Resource Officer has since been notified. We applaud the student for doing the right thing by coming forward to share their concern with a caring adult. The district has zero tolerance for this type of inappropriate behavior, and any such violation of student code of conduct will result in disciplinary action in accordance with school board policy. Thank you for your partnership in ensuring your student makes wise choices when bringing items to campus.”