Student, 14, at New Hyde Park Memorial High School arrested after bringing in BB gun, knife, police say
Sewanaka School District officials say an anonymous tip was received that a student had brought a BB gun onto the grounds of New Hyde Park Memorial High School on Wednesday. Credit: Newsday / Alejandra Villa Loarca
Nassau County police arrested a 14-year-old boy who brought a BB gun and knife to New Hyde Park Memorial High School on Wednesday, according to a police news release and school officials.
Sewanhaka Central High School District Superintendent Regina Agrusa said in an emailed statement the district received an anonymous tip that a student had a BB gun on school grounds and "immediately contacted" the police shortly after noon.
In addition to the BB gun, the male student also had a multipurpose folding knife, according to Agrusa, who said both items were “secured and the student was removed from campus.”
“At no time were students or staff in immediate danger,” the statement said. “The student will face appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with our Code of Conduct in addition to any legal implications surrounding the circumstances.”
Police arrested the student and charged him with two counts of illegal possession of a weapon by a minor under the age of 16. The student was released on an appearance ticket, according to the department’s news release.
It’s unclear why the student brought the knife and BB gun to school, whether there was any indication he intended to harm someone, or what district-level discipline the student faces.
District spokeswoman Deirdre Gilligan wrote to Newsday "the district does not comment on private individual disciplinary measures."
A police spokesman told Newsday the investigation is ongoing.
Sam Kmack covers the Town of Islip for Newsday. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California and previously worked as a city watchdog reporter in the Phoenix metro area, as well as an investigative journalist at the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting.
