Loaded weapon found on school grounds
Parents and guardians within the Wills Point ISD received a sizeable jolt at approximately 9 p.m. Nov. 6 as they received notice from the district’s messaging system that an incident had occurred just prior to the release of the high school campus for the day that a weapon of some kind had been discovered on school grounds.
The district's notice reads in part, "For the safety and security of the Wills Point ISD students and staff, we take any threats seriously. WPISD prides itself in creating a safe learning environment and any incident that threatens that environment is handled firmly and promptly.
"This afternoon, prior to the end of the school day, a situation occurred at the Career Technology Center located on the high school campus. A staff member discovered a weapon in one of the building's restrooms. The staff member immediately notified administrators. The administrators secured the scene and contacted the Wills Point Police Department. The administration and police department are currently investigating the situation and are reviewing video footage.
"If you child has any information regarding this incident, please have them contact the school administration, police or utilize the district's tip line. Call 903-873-8463, or submit a tip at www.wpisd.com/page1116."
District administrators provided an update of the situation early Nov. 7 confirming that a loaded gun had been found in the boys bathroom in the CTE building at approximately 3 p.m. by a district employee. The employee notified administrators who subsequently called the Wills Point Police Department.
Shortly following the discovery of the weapon, district administrators swept the entire campus to ensure that no other weapons were onsite as the Wills Point Police Department secured the scene to begin their investigation. School was released at its regularly scheduled time of 3:40 p.m.
The district issued several updates Nov. 7, providing additional updates to the information already released. In a notice sent to parents just before noon, district officials stated, “Last night, the district sent out a message to parents concerning a weapon that was discovered at the High School CTE building. It was important at that time, that the integrity of the investigation was maintained and any tips received could be appropriately prioritized. We are now able to provide the following update.
“A loaded handgun was found in the trashcan of the boys’ restroom in the CTE building at approximately 3 p.m. by a district employee. The employee notified administrators who subsequently called the Wills Point Police Department. Shortly following the discovery of the weapon, district administrators swept the entire campus to ensure that no other weapons were onsite and the Wills Point Police Department secured the scene to begin their investigation. The investigation is continuing as ATF traces the firearm, DPS is fingerprinting the firearm, video surveillance is being reviewed, and Van Zandt Sheriff Office, Wills Point Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety are remaining on scene the remainder of the day. Over the next several days, additional police presence will be made available throughout the district. WPISD has announced a reward for any student providing information leading to an arrest.
“Parents who have chosen to keep their students home today may be assured that the absence will be excused. Documentation of the absence may be presented to campus staff from parents and/or guardians tomorrow by handwritten note or email.
“Please be observant of your child’s emotional state. Some children may not express their anxiety verbally. Changes in behavior, appetite, and sleep patterns can also indicate a child’s level of anxiety or discomfort. In most children, these symptoms will ease with reassurance and time. According to the National Association of School Psychologists, it’s important to maintain a normal routine. Keeping to a regular schedule can be reassuring and promote health and well-being. Encourage them to keep up with their schoolwork and extracurricular activities. Should you have concerns about your child’s level of anxiety, please contact your campus counselor for additional support.”
WPPD Press Release
The Wills Point Police Department also issued a press release addressing the weapon incident stating:
“On Tuesday, November 6, 2018, at approximately 3:20 P.M. Wills Point Police Department was notified of a firearm located at the Wills Point High School. Upon arrival, officers were notified by a WPISD janitor stating he located a loaded firearm while changing the male restroom trash can. The janitor located the firearm after removing the trash bag and noticing a heavy item in the bag.
“Officers removed the firearm and witnessed the firearm to be loaded. Officers remained on scene as WPISD students were being released at that time. Investigation is being continued as ATF is tracing the firearm, DPS is fingerprinting the firearm, video surveillance is being reviewed, and Van Zandt Sheriff Office, Wills Point Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety are remaining on scene the remainder of the day.
“WPISD has announced a reward for any student knowing information leading to the arrest.”
