A student at Walker Elementary School in Skokie reportedly brought a BB gun to the building during the school day on Tuesday, March 7, Principal James Gray said in an email to families Wednesday morning.
After dismissal, upon returning home another student told one of their parents that they had seen a gun, or something that looked like a gun, in someone else’s backpack during class, according to Gray’s letter. That parent contacted Gray, who launched an investigation with Evanston/Skokie School District 65 leaders and the Skokie Police Department, Gray wrote in his letter.
“As part of our protocols when weapons may be involved, police officers went to the child’s home and recovered a Bb gun” on Tuesday night, Gray said. “The student will not be on campus during the school day today [Wednesday], and the weapon is in the possession of the [Skokie] police department. Police officers continue to support the investigation and we have been collaborating with the family.”
Walker School is at 3601 Church St. in Skokie.
Skokie Police Sgt. Brandi Shelton confirmed Gray’s account of the incident and that police had recovered the BB gun from the student’s home on Tuesday night.
At this time, there are no ongoing threats to the safety and wellbeing of the Walker community, according to Gray, though it remains unclear where the student obtained the BB gun and why the weapon was brought to school.
“BB” stands for “ball bearing” or “bullet ball.” Although BB guns are not typical firearms, they can pierce the skin and cause serious injury or death in rare cases.
In his message to families, Gray reminded the community that “weapons of any kind, real or look-alike, are not allowed on school grounds for any reason.”
“I am proud of this student and parent who ‘saw something and said something’ to keep our community safe,” he wrote. “I recognize that this is incredibly difficult news to hear. I also recognize the trust our families place in us when sending their child to Walker school and that of our staff in coming to work.”
This story may update if more information becomes available from Skokie Police or District 65.
Parents?