“Luckily it wasn’t a tragedy”: Handgun confiscated from student at Sparkman Middle School

TONEY, Ala. (WAFF) - Administrators at Sparkman Middle School confiscated a handgun from a student on Wednesday.

Sparkman Middle School Principal Kristen Bell emailed parents Wednesday afternoon about the incident. She said one student saw another student with a gun in the bathroom and reported it to administrators. The school then went into lockdown and investigated the situation.

In the end, two students were removed from campus after school resource officers found the gun in a backpack.

WAFF spoke with one parent who praised school leaders on handling the situation quickly while also complimenting that student’s courage to see something and say something.

“I’m glad that that kid spoke up and luckily it wasn’t a tragedy,” Lelia Denye, a Sparkman Middle School parent said. “We as parents, we’re not with the kids 24/7 so they learn from home and they learn at school so I’m glad that they’re being taught well at home and also at school.”

The following excerpt is from the email Bell sent out:

“We take this incident seriously, and I ask for your help in addressing the critical issue of student safety. We commend the student who reported the safety concern and encourage students to always report safety concerns to school administrators. Thank you for your support and assistance in keeping our campus safe for children.”

At this time, it is unclear if the student will face charges.

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