YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — A 14-year-old student accused of having a gun Tuesday at East High School entered a plea of denial Wednesday at his arraignment in Mahoning County Juvenile Court.
The plea is the juvenile equivalent of not guilty. The boy was ordered held in detention pending a Dec. 3 preliminary hearing.
The boy was booked into the Martin P. Joyce Juvenile Justice Center about 2 p.m. Tuesday on felony charges of carrying concealed weapons and illegal conveyance of a gun onto school property after reports said a loaded 9mm semiautomatic pistol was found in his book bag.
A police report said a Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office deputy working security at the school was asked to check the auditorium, and when he did, he found the student and two others hiding behind a cabinet and they were taken, with their bags, to meet with an assistant principal.
The student appeared very nervous when he was told his bag would be searched. The student gave the deputy his bag and the deputy placed it outside while the assistant principal left for a moment. When the assistant principal came back, the deputy retrieved the bag and he immediately felt a handgun, reports said.
A statement by the school district said the student never wielded the gun and added;
“We understand your concern as parents and guardians. Please be assured that everyone is safe, the building is secure, and the weapon was never discharged. Appropriate action will be taken according to district policy, as any incident involving a weapon is taken seriously.
Youngstown City Schools is committed to a safe environment for all scholars and staff. We encourage you to have an open conversation with your child about the importance of reporting any concerns they may have regarding school safety.
We thank you for your trust, support, and understanding.”
