Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Gun discovered at Emmet High School campus

School officials have not yet decided what action will be taken against an Emmet High School student after that student had a gun in his vehicle on school property.

According to a report on file with the Nevada County Sheriffs Office, school officials searched vehicles on the campus parking lot last week. Nevada County Sheriff Bobby Carlton said Emmet teachers got information that there could be contraband in a vehicle. Carlton said there had apparently been an ongoing feud between two students. Carlton said the report on file includes a statement from Emmet High School Principal Frank Henson.

Hensons statement indicates that Emmet administration got word that there was going to be a fight and that race was apparently at the heart of that building altercation. According to the statement, administrators got the information on May 7 and a found two guns and some alcohol during a search of vehicles on May 8.

Henson reportedly took possession of both vehicles. The students vehicles were subsequently turned over to the parents.

Hensons statement indicates that the student driving the vehicle carrying the guns was sent to in-school-suspension for five days, in accordance with handbook rules. Both students lost their driving privileges for the remainder of the semester.

Emmet-Blevins Superintendent Donnie Davis confirmed that the gun had been found.

There was a student who had a gun in their vehicle, Davis said.

Davis said the Emmet High School principal has given the student a temporary suspension pending board action. Davis said he wasnt certain when that action would be taken but said administrators are looking into the legal aspects of the issue and considering what action would be required.

Davis said there was no action taken on the campus when the guns were discovered.

To my understanding, there was no threat, Davis said. It was a matter of finding (the guns) unexpectedly.

Davis said the search was prompted when teachers received a tip that someone had alcohol on campus - not weapons.

The search was prompted by a tip that there was alcohol on campus, Davis said.

During an interview on the afternoon of May 9, Davis said he had seen no written report on the subject and that he had no information about any type of potential conflict.

Davis said he is still researching the issue to see what kind of action the board is required to take.

Traditionally, the district has dealt with violence and weapons with a strong hand, Davis said. We are going to take actions that will assure parents we have a safe campus.

Carlton said the information has been turned over to the Eighth Judicial District Prosecutor Chris Thomason.

I am aware that there is an ongoing investigation by the Nevada County Sheriffs Office with regard to an incident that occurred at the Emmet School, Thomason said Monday morning.

Citing the age of the individual and the fact that the investigation isnt complete, Thomason said he couldnt comment specifically on action his office would take or details of the case.

Im confident that the administration of the Emmet School and the investigative work by the Nevada County Sheriffs Office will ensure that the matter is dealt with in the proper fashion, Thomason said. I take any allegation of violent action on a school campus as one of the most serious issues this office will face.