Post updated at 1:56 p.m. Tuesday, May 6:
A parent dropped off a gym bag that contained a gun for a Lawrence High School student, according to an email the principal sent school families Tuesday afternoon.
LHS Principal Quentin Rials wrote that “As we always strive to do, we want to keep you informed of something that occurred in the school office just moments ago.”
Rials wrote that when the student came to the office to pick up the bag, “they noticed it contained a gun and immediately gave the bag to office staff and reported its contents.”
“Thanks to this student’s prompt, decisive actions, our administration and the school resource officer were able to take immediate possession of the bag in the office,” Rials wrote. “Police are working with the parent as they investigate what happened.”
Sgt. Drew Fennelly of the Lawrence Police Department said police “have every reason to believe it was unknowing and unintentional, but it does serve as a good reminder to practice proper gun safety, and that all firearms should be safely secured when not being actively carried, and should never find their way onto school grounds.”
“No arrest was made, but a report will be written,” he said.
Rials wrote that the safety of the campus was not affected by what occurred.
“Please continue to assist our staff in reinforcing with your students the importance of reporting safety concerns,” Rials wrote. “This student is to be commended for their actions.”
Julie Boyle, a spokesperson for the district, responded to an email seeking further information that “We have no additional information to share, other than to again commend the student.”
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