SPRING, Texas — A student at Grand Oaks High School was arrested Thursday after being found with a gun, according to Conroe ISD.
Principal James Bush alerted parents about the situation, saying Conroe ISD police officers, including an explosive sniffing K9, located a student inside the school with a Ruger 380 pistol
Students who attend Grand Oaks High school said they were scared when the news spread about a gun on campus, especially after six people were recently shot and killed at a Nashville elementary school.
“I would say that I was very nervous the whole time," said Freddy Rodriguez. "I tried my best not to be as stressed as I could be and, you know, tried to remain calm”
Junior Willem Reichmeider said his classmates saw the gun and reported it when the student went to the restroom.
"They had sent like an anonymous message and everything and that’s when the school was notified," he said.
In his statement, Bush praised the student who submitted the tip. Other students said they wouldn't have hesitated to do the same.
“It’s just so dangerous to have a person walking around with a gun and no one knows," said Dalton Russell. "You just always want to report that stuff”
Grand Oaks High School never went on lockdown, officials said. Students remained in their classrooms when police showed up.
District officials have yet to say if the gun was loaded. They said the student that was arrested will be dealt with in accordance with Texas law.
Below is the full statement released by Bush and Grand Oaks High School:
"GOHS Family,
At approximately 9:20, an anonymous alert was sent through the District’s app about a student on the GOHS campus with a gun. The Conroe ISD Police Department immediately responded to identify the student and investigate the report. Additional officers were dispatched to the location along with the explosives sniffing K-9. Campus administration promptly began investigating as well. Within minutes, the student was located with a Ruger .380 in his possession and taken into custody. This will be addressed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.
I understand receiving a message like this after the tragedy in Nashville could be upsetting. Weapons have no place in our schools, and it takes all of us to keep our schools safe. We could not be prouder of the student who submitted the anonymous alert. Vigilance and working together are our greatest safety measures.
Just like the student did today, suspected threats may be reported by anyone 24-hours a day through the District’s KidChat hotline at 1-888-KidChat (543-2428) or our Anonymous Alerts app. To learn more, please visit our Safety Information webpage."