HAZEL PARK (WWJ) — A Hazel Park High School student has been arrested for bringing a gun to school, though police almost cleared the teen after searching his locker.
Hazel Park police officials say the school got a tip through OK2Say on Thursday, Feb. 27 saying that a student had a gun in a backpack.
The Assistant Principal contacted both Hazel Park Police School Resource Detectives who initiated an investigation, according to the police department.
Police officials said in a press release that detectives identified the student who allegedly had a handgun and interviewed him.
The student denied being in possession of a gun, according to police. Detectives also searched the student’s locker and the bag he had in his possession.
No handgun was found on the student or in his locker.
After the interview, the student and his father were told that he could not come back to school until the investigation was complete.
When the interview was over, the student asked if he could go get his belongings from his locker. He was accompanied by a detective, who got the items out of the locker and gave them to the student.
That’s when the teen told police he had another backpack in a classroom and he had to go get it. Once in the classroom, the teen pointed to the backpack and a detective searched the bag, finding a handgun inside.
The student was arrested and taken to the Hazel Park Police Station. Officials said he will be transferred to Oakland County Children’s Village.
The investigation is still ongoing and will be presented to the Oakland County Prosecutor when completed.
After a police dog searched the building, officials say they do not believe there is any further threat to students and staff.
Out of an abundance of caution and support for all, the Hazel Park Police will have additional officers on hand to make sure staff and students feel safe.