Replica guns brought to Horizon Middle School Thursday

(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — Three students in Falcon School District 49 (D49) are facing misdemeanor charges after they allegedly brought an airsoft handgun and replica handgun to Horizon Middle School on Thursday, Sept. 26.

According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO), a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Horizon Middle School was alerted to a student who allegedly had a gun on campus. EPSO said the SRO immediately notified school staff and located the student.

The student, an 11-year-old, was found in possession of a replica handgun, which was determined to be an airsoft handgun. During the investigation, two more students, both 12-year-olds, were found in possession of another replica handgun.

“I want to impress upon parents and guardians the importance of awareness concerning their children,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “Who they communicate with, what items they bring to school, and their access to contraband or weapons. While this incident was addressed quickly and without incident, it caused unnecessary fear and the deployment of resources.”

All three students were charged with misdemeanor counts of Interference with Staff, Faculty, or Students of an Educational Institution and Disorderly Conduct. EPSO said parents in D49 are in communication with the district regarding the incident.

“School safety is of the utmost importance to my Office, and we will continue to monitor and investigate these incidents without hesitation,” added Roybal. “We are committed to keeping our schools safe and ensuring students have a secure place to learn and grow.”

FOX21 News is expecting more information from D49, this article will be updated when we learn more.

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