Fifth-Grader Caught With Guns Bonner County 10-Year-Old Suspended After Weapons Found

A Bonner County fifth-grader was suspended Monday after teachers found two knives, a pellet gun and a loaded .22 caliber pistol in his backpack.

“Apparently he was taking the weapons out to show his buddies and someone saw them,” said Sandpoint Police Det. Andy Anderson. “The boy said he was conned by his friends into bringing them to school so they could look at them.”

Police were called to Stidwell Elementary on Monday morning after Principal Marlene Rorke confronted the 10-yearold boy. Anderson said the weapons were confiscated, and the boy was suspended and released to his parents.

Authorities said the boy took the loaded revolver and other weapons, including a military style knife, from his home without his parents’ knowledge.

“It could have been a real tragedy,” Anderson said. “I would urge parents to keep their firearms locked up.”

Superintendent Leonard Parenteau said the boy will have a hearing before the school board and could be expelled for a minimum of one year.

“Kids are impressionable. If they are fascinated by something they tend to want to share it without thinking about the full consequences,” Parenteau said. “I’m not trying to make excuses for him, though. I’m surprised anyone would bring these items to school, as would any parent in a situation like this.”

Some of the Stidwell staff were shaken by the incident, but Parenteau said it was handled properly and professionally. He met with teachers Monday and said many of them will review the district’s zerotolerance weapons and drug policy with students.

In November, a 13-year-old Sandpoint Middle School student was expelled for 18 months after bringing two pistols to school.

This is the first time authorities have confiscated a gun from a Bonner County elementary school student.

“It doesn’t surprise me whatsoever,” Anderson said. “It’s a status thing where the boy wanted to impress his friends and be the big man on campus.”

Anderson said the boy will be charged with carrying a concealed weapon and will appear before the youth rehabilitation board.