Two Students Arrested When Unloaded Handgun Found at Freshman Campus

SAN ANGELO, TX — The San Angelo Freshman Campus faculty discovered an unloaded handgun at the school Monday.

According to Freshman Campus Principal Rickke Black, the discovery was a result of an anonymous tip reported to school administrators. The Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office was called to assist San Angelo ISD officials investigate.

As a result of the investigation with the deputies, Black said two students were taken into custody.

Possessing a handgun or bringing one to school is against the Student Code of Conduct, Black said. In addition, according to the Texas Association of School Boards, firearms on public school property are generally not permitted. Federal law presumes public schools are gun-free zones when the carrying of such weapons involves interstate commerce. The Federal Gun Free Zones Act was enacted in 1990.

Texas penal code prohibits citizens, including handgun license holders, from carrying firearms on public school campuses unless specifically allowed by school district policy or if the individual is a peace officer or armed guard. Unless exempt from the law’s prohibition, as a police officer is, to do so is punishable as a Third Degree Felony.

Black told parents in a letter that campus security and the safety of students and faculty on campus are the top priority. She said no threats were made to any student or school staff member. The handgun found did not have any ammunition discovered with it.

Black stressed that any student reports are kept confidential.