Police are investigating after a student brought a gun to a Phoenix high school on Thursday.
According to Phoenix police, officers were called to South Pointe High School near Central and South Mountain avenues around 10 a.m. after hearing about the incident.
Witnesses told police that someone anonymously contacted the school and said a specific student had a gun in his backpack.
Officers found the student and located a handgun. He was then detained.
A principal at the school told ABC15 that tips came into the school about the student who allegedly stole items from a home, including the gun.
The incident is still under investigation.
The school sent out the following letter to parents Thursday afternoon:
I would like to make you aware of an incident that occurred on campus today. This morning a member of the community informed us of an alleged incident involving two South Pointe students. This reported incident occurred yesterday evening and off campus, and it was alleged to have involved the theft of a gun. Upon learning this information, we moved to interview one student who was on campus. During this process, we discovered a gun in the student’s backpack. We confiscated the gun and contacted law enforcement. The student is currently in police custody.
At this time, we do not have any reason to believe that other students are involved. As the school leader, my first priority is the safety and well-being of all South Pointe High School students and staff members. Other than media presence outside of campus at the end of the school day, this incident did not create a significant disruption for students and teachers. I, and all of the South Pointe administration and staff, take these matters very seriously and always have the safety and security of our school community at the forefront of our decisions. If you have any questions or lingering concerns about this incident, please do not hesitate to call the front office to speak with me directly.
Although next week is fall break, our office will be open. Have an enjoyable and safe fall break, and I look forward to seeing your student back on October 16, 2017, and ready to begin Block Two.
Thank you,
Larry McGill Jr.
School Leader
