14-year-old student busted with knife, imitation firearm at middle school in Crown Heights
The boy threatened another 14-year-old male student at Launch Charter Academy just before noon while displaying what appeared to be a firearm, prompting a search of the boy and his belongings.
Police say a 14-year-old student was found with a knife and an imitation gun at a middle school in Crown Heights Thursday.
The boy threatened another 14-year-old male student at Launch Charter Academy just before noon while displaying what appeared to be a firearm, prompting a search of the boy and his belongings.
Authorities say staff at the 1580 Dean St. school found an imitation gun inside the boy’s backpack and a knife on his person.
Launch Charter Academy says students and staff were placed in a “soft lockdown” following the discovery.
The boy was arrested and issued a juvenile report for menacing and criminal possession of a weapon, according to police.
Launch Charter School issued the following statement:
"We are aware of an incident that occurred on campus involving a student report of a possible weapon. Upon receiving the report, school leadership immediately contacted the NYPD and initiated an investigation.
The items involved were recovered and confiscated. A soft lockdown was initiated as a precaution. Students were not threatened. Classroom instruction was not disrupted, and all students and staff remained safe throughout the investigation.
Following a joint review by school officials and the NYPD, law enforcement determined that there was no credible threat to students or staff.
Any student discipline will be handled in accordance with school policy.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our highest priority, and we will continue to work closely with our partners to maintain a safe learning environment."
