HAMMOND, IN – Elementary school students discovered a handgun on a School City of Hammond bus during an afternoon route on Tuesday.
The district confirmed that a high school student had left the gun on the bus during a previous route. This marks the second gun-related incident in the district this year.
A trespassing student was charged in January with a Level 5 felony for unlawful carrying of a handgun after allegedly bringing a semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine, 30 rounds of ammunition, and a laser pointer attachment into Hammond Central High School.
That case is still pending.
Hammond police were notified about Tuesday’s incident and identified a suspect through video footage. The police took possession of the firearm. The district has a strict Code of Conduct, which mandates a year-long expulsion and referral to law enforcement for any student involved in bringing a gun onto school property. The district also reminded students and families to report any gun found on school property to the nearest adult instead of touching it.
The incident occurred just a day after a tragic shooting at a private school in Nashville, Tennessee, that left six people dead, including three children. This incident has rekindled concerns about the growing trend of school shootings across the country. The district administration assured parents that they prioritize all issues of school safety and act promptly to address them.
The administration expressed appreciation for the elementary school students involved in ensuring the safety of their fellow bus riders and staff.
