Dominion Middle School was placed on a lockdown after a student allegedly brought a firearm to school on Feb. 25.
Kate Dominique, Dominion principal, said in a letter to families that around 9:30 a.m., CCS security staff were conducting a search of a student’s belongings inside a locker when a firearm was discovered. A district spokesperson told The Dispatch that the student fled.
Dominion Middle School, located in the University District, has over 700 students and serves grades six through eight.
As soon as the weapon was found, the school was placed on a lockdown, Dominique said. Staff followed safety protocols and secured the building. Columbus police responded and officers worked alongside school administrators to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
The lockdown was lifted at 10:15 a.m. and classes resumed as normal. According to Dominique, the student involved will face consequences under the student handbook. It is unclear whether the student has been located. Dominique urged families to have conversations with their children.
“Incidents like this can cause concern,” Dominique said. “We encourage you to have an age-appropriate conversation with your student about the serious consequences of bringing prohibited items to school. Reinforce the importance of making safe decisions and speaking up if they see something concerning.”
No injuries were reported.
Columbus police could not be immediately reached for comment.
This article will be updated with additional information.
Cole Behrens covers K-12 education and school districts in central Ohio. Have a tip? Contact Cole at cbehrens@dispatch.com or connect with him on X at @Colebehr_report
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Gun found in student’s backpack at Dominion Middle School in Columbus
Reporting by Cole Behrens, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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