MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Two 14-year-old boys who were taken into custody Tuesday for reportedly bringing a loaded gun and ammunition inside Wilson Junior High School made were in a juvenile courtroom Wednesday.
Both could face felony charges for having a gun on school property.
No names have been released, and the boys are expected back in court Monday.
Manitowoc Police Captain Larry Zimney tells WLUK two student tips to the school’s resource officer potentially saved the day.
“That simple action could have avoided a big, big tragedy today. They really did a great job.”
The students told the officer they believed a gun was in the school.
Police investigated and found a loaded .22 caliber revolver in one student’s backpack, and ammunition in another student’s backpack.
Owen Opichka, a 9th grade student at the school, spoke to WLUK.
“It was kind of a surprise to think there are kids in this school that could have brought in guns”
Mark Holzman is the superintendent for the Manitowoc Public School District.
“At the time when we actually got the tips, we knew where the student was that was in concern, so the student was actually in administration’s office while we were doing the investigation, so at that point we did not feel like we were under any threat”
One of the students taken into custody is in 8th grade, the other is in 9th grade.
Police say the gun came from one of the boy’s relatives.
“That student felt the need for protection from another group that he felt threatened by, so that is the apparent reason why he brought the gun to school,” said Zimney.
Police say the boys were part of a dispute with another group of students. However, they couldn’t say what the dispute was about.
Zimney says some of the students involved claim to be affiliated with a gang.
“I’m not even going to mention what the name of it is, but it’s not something you normally hear of”
The boys taken into custody face possible expulsion. Police say they also face multiple criminal charges and will be held in a juvenile facility for at least the next 72 hours.
Extra police will be patrolling Wilson Junior High tomorrow (WED). Counselors will also be there for students.
Wilson Junior High School officials released the following message to families regarding the incident:
Dear Wilson Families,The purpose of this message is to inform you of an unfortunate incident that occurred at Wilson Junior High School today. Thankfully, all students and staff are safe. This afternoon we worked closely with the Manitowoc Police Department and are releasing the following joint press release:On March 14th, the Wilson Junior High School Resource Officer got two tips from students that there was a gun in the school. Using the information from the tips, .22 caliber ammunition was found in a student’s backpack. Following additional investigation, a loaded .22 caliber revolver was recovered from a second student’s backpack without incident. Two Wilson Junior High School students were taken into custody. The Manitowoc Police Department and the Manitowoc Public School district are working cooperatively and the investigation is ongoing. The Manitowoc Public School District will follow the guidelines set forth in School Board Policy 5610, Suspension and Expulsion. The safety of all students and staff is very important. The Manitowoc Public School District and Manitowoc Police Department will do all it can to ensure the safety of all students and staff.I am proud of the students who reported what they heard or saw to school staff. The collaboration with the police department has been tremendous. We will continue to do all we can do ensure the safety of our students and staff. Please take time to have a conversation with your child about school safety and the importance of reporting important information to appropriate officials.Please contact me if you have anything you would like to discuss.Sincerely,Mr. Lee Thennes, Principal
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