15-year-old faces felony charges after deputies find gun at North High School

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — A 15-year-old North High School student is in secure detention after deputies found a loaded handgun in the student’s locker Friday morning in Evansville.

Authorities did not identify the student or the other people involved in the case.

Authorities began the investigation shortly after classes started Friday at North High School, when several students told a school resource deputy they believed another student had a gun. The students said they saw the student show the handgun.

Deputies identified the student and searched a bag inside the locker, where they found the firearm. The handgun had a loaded magazine, but the chamber was empty.

Deputies arrested the student and brought them to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, where detectives interviewed the student and the student’s parents.

The student told detectives they stole the handgun from an unlocked vehicle several days earlier. The student said they and a 13-year-old took the gun, hid it outside, and eventually brought it to school to show other students.

The student told investigators they never intended to hurt anyone. Detectives said they have found no evidence the student planned to use the firearm to harm anyone.

Investigators also interviewed the 13-year-old, who does not attend school in person. Detectives are still deciding whether that juvenile will face charges related to the theft.

Investigators identified the handgun’s owner, but the owner’s name was not released. The investigation continues.

The 15-year-old is being held in secure detention at the Vanderburgh County Youth Care Center pending a hearing. The student faces allegations of possession of a firearm on school property, dangerous possession of a firearm, and theft of a firearm.

Sheriff’s officials thanked the students who spoke up and reported what they saw. Their decision to tell a deputy helped deputies quickly find the gun and remove it from the school. Sheriff Noah Robinson said the department’s partnership with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. helped deputies build trust with students, making it easier for students to come forward and help keep schools safe.

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