AUSTIN (KXAN) – A South Austin seventh-grader has been charged with bringing a weapon into a prohibited place.

The weapon was discovered after an Austin ISD police officer assigned to Paredes Middle School noticed three students behaving suspiciously, according to a letter sent to parents by school principal Karla Wright.

Upon further investigation, the officer found one of the students in possession of an unloaded gun and a small amount of marijuana.

“We don’t believe (he brought the gun) to be harmful,” said Austin ISD police chief Eric Mendez. “Why he was in possession (of the gun) is still under investigation.”

Wright said ASID police and campus administrators then took immediate action to ensure the safety of all students.

“I would like to commend the AISD police officer for his vigilance and quick action to secure the safety of Paredes students and staff,” Wright said in the letter.

The student was booked into the Gardner Betts Juvenile Justice Center.

Full text of letter

Dear Paredes Community,

The safety of all Paredes Middle School students is our top priority. With this in mind, I would  like to inform you of an incident that occurred today on campus.

This morning, the Austin ISD police officer assigned to Paredes noticed three students behaving  suspiciously. Upon investigating the situation, the officer discovered one student was in possession of a small amount of marijuana and an unloaded weapon. Upon making this discovery, AISD police and campus administrators took immediate action to ensure the safety of all students. I would like to commend the AISD police officer for his vigilance and quick action to secure the safety of Paredes students and staff.

Possessing an illegal substance or a weapon is a serious violation of the law and the AISD Code of Conduct. Please talk with your students about the dangers of illegal substances and weapons, and the importance of bringing these matters to your attention as parents and caretakers, or to a responsible adult on campus immediately.

Thank you for your continued support and for working with the Paredes team to maintain a safe school environment for your children that is conducive to teaching and learning. Please contact me at 841-6800 if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Karla Wright
Principal
Paredes Middle School