This morning at approximately 8:09am, a middle school age student was observed with what appeared to be a handgun entering John Deere Middle School. The observation was reported to the School Resource Officer (SRO) who was inside the building and immediately took action. The school was placed on lockdown as law enforcement began a response.
A second Moline Police Officer arrived on scene at 8:11am and entered the building to assist in the search for the juvenile. The SRO located the student at 8:14am and the situation was secured. The student was found to be in possession of a BB handgun, not a real firearm.
It is important to note that the handgun was not real and no students were in danger. This does highlight the importance of alerting a trusted adult such as a police officer or school administrator anytime suspicious activity is observed. In this case the process worked and a police officer was able to immediately intervene. While this was not a real firearm, all suspicious activity is treated seriously. It is still unlawful to take a replica or look-a-like gun in a school and this investigation is ongoing.
There is no need for parents to respond to the school or any children to be picked up. All children are safe and the academic environment is operating normally.
No further information is available at this time.
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