Ninth-Grader Brings Loaded Gun To School

A ninth-grader at Boise’s Les Bois Junior High faces expulsion and criminal charges after bringing a loaded pistol to school.

Boise Police and school officials say the 14-year-old, whose name was not released, brought a .22-caliber semiautomatic handgun to the school concealed in his pants on Tuesday.

It was discovered while the boy was being questioned by an assistant principal and police investigating another matter. Jim Reed, the Boise School District’s southeast area director, said the questioning was about an “ongoing incident” involving a group of students.

Reed said the boy told school officials he had felt threatened and was carrying the gun for protection. How the boy got the gun remains under investigation, he said.

Boise Police Lt. Jim Tibbs said the boy faces a juvenile charge of possessing a gun on school property. He was released to the custody of a parent Tuesday.