UPDATE: According to the Bakersfield Police Department, the 14-year-old that flashed a gun to two Lakeside School students at a bus stop was arrested at Silvercreek Park.
Sgt. Nathan McCauley said the student faces five felony and misdemeanor charges including carrying a loaded gun in public.
The police did not find any additional weapons.
According to the principal of Lakeside School, two students were shown a handgun by an older student while waiting at the bus stop at around 9:45 a.m. Tuesday morning.
"The high school-age student showed the two Lakeside School students a handgun. The students were not directly threatened and boarded the bus without further incident," explained Principal Mike McGrath in a statement releassed to parents. "The students then proceeded to school where they informed school administration what had occurred"
The school contacted the Bakersfield Police Department regarding the incident.
Sergeant Nathan McCauley said police found out the 14-year-old is currently suspended from Independence High School. According to the BPD, the gun in question was taken from a relative's gun safe.
The police have not found the student, but he faces charges for unlawfully carrying a firearm. BPD says the gun was recovered.
McGrath went on to assure parents that "the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority and we will continue to work with law enforcement as they continue their investigation."
Below is the full statement from Principal Mike McGrath:
Lakeside Families:
In our ongoing effort to keep you informed about important issues affecting our school community, I wanted to let you know about an unfortunate situation that arose this morning, Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019.
Administration learned that two students who attend Lakeside School were approached by a high school-age student as they waited for their school bus this morning. The high school-age student showed the two Lakeside School students a handgun. The students were not directly threatened and boarded the bus without further incident. The students then proceeded to school where they informed school administration what had occurred.
The school immediately contacted law enforcement. We are thankful for the Bakersfield Police Department's swift response to this incident.
As always, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority and we will continue to work with law enforcement as they continue their investigation.
Our students are taught to “say something, if they see or hear something.” So, the students who came forward to disclose the information they knew about this situation are to be commended.
We truly appreciate the trust you put in us for your child’s education and safety. If you have any questions, please call me at 831-3503.
Thank you,
Mike McGrathPrincipal
