Arlee student removed after taking gun to school; LC Sheriff Bell issues statement

An investigation in the Arlee School District is ongoing after it was discovered a high school student took a gun to school on Wednesday, Oct. 31, according to officials.

Superintendent James Baldwin said Thursday afternoon that once authorities were notified, the situation was “quickly diffused,” and the district’s legal counsel advised not to send out an alert to parents and the community.

“There was no immediate threat to students,” Baldwin said, adding that a letter was sent to parents Thursday.

Baldwin could not release the name, age or grade of the student Thursday, but said the male juvenile is suspended and charges were filed.

“Now there’s a due process to go through,” he said, and noted that the district is following policy and law.

He confirmed that the weapon was confiscated.

Arlee School District legal counsel Elizabeth Kaleva shared in a press release Thursday afternoon that officials did not issue an alert because more information was needed as well as “a lack of a present threat.”

“There is a significant amount of misinformation being shared on social media by individuals who are not in possession of the facts,” she stated.

Although the situation was diffused, Baldwin said that he “can understand how parents are concerned with the whole situation.”

Baldwin shared that Arlee High School Principal Jim Taylor was alerted by a student Wednesday that a student had a weapon.

“We’re thankful” the student came forward with information, Baldwin said.

Taylor, Baldwin said, “handled the situation” in a prompt manner — alerting law enforcement, then informed the school board.

Faculty in the Arlee school system have had active-threat training, Baldwin said, and will continue to do so.

A school board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7, in the old gym at Arlee High School, 72220 Fyant St. in Arlee.

Lake County Sheriff Don Bell released a statement regarding the Oct. 31 incident involving a child bringing a gun to Arlee Schools. Here is that statement:

“On Oct. 31, 2018, at 0741 hours, the Lake County School Resource Deputy assigned to Arlee Schools was notified that a child had brought a gun to school on the bus. The deputy was informed by school administration that the weapon was confiscated from the child and that there was no longer any imminent danger. The deputy immediately responded to the school, secured the weapon, and determined there was no immediate threat to the safety of others at the school. Prior to the deputy’s arrival, the child had been sent home with a parent. An immediate follow-up interview was conducted of the child and parent at the child’s home. A misdemeanor citation for possession of a weapon in a school building was issued and the child was left in the custody of the parent. This was later followed up by a referral to the Department of Family Services.

The youth was not arrested and placed into secure detention due to the fact that this misdemeanor crime doesn’t fall under the criteria of Montana Code Annotated 41-5-206, and its references to eligible offenses for detention in Montana Code Annotated 41-5-206.

The sheriff would like to extend his appreciation to School Resource Deputy Clay Shoemaker for his proper response and thorough investigation, as well as to Arlee School officials whose actions prevented potential tragedy.”