Police and school officials say a 16‑year‑old student at Kalamazoo Central High School was placed in custody on Friday after a loaded handgun was discovered in his backpack. The incident highlights the critical role of the partnership between Kalamazoo Public Schools and local law‑enforcement in keeping students safe.

How the gun was found

According to Kalamazoo Public Schools, a school resource officer was alerted by staff that a student might be in possession of a firearm. Officers from Kalamazoo Township, together with the resource officer, worked with district officials to locate the weapon. After a thorough search of the student’s belongings, a loaded handgun was recovered from his backpack.

Student taken into custody

The student was immediately taken into custody and transferred to the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home. Police said the investigation into how the firearm was obtained and why it was brought to school is ongoing.

Community response and safety reminder

In a joint news release, the police department and school district praised the swift cooperation that allowed the situation to be addressed quickly. “This incident serves as an important reminder of the critical role our community plays in maintaining safe schools,” the release stated. “We encourage students, parents, teachers, and school staff to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity, concerning behavior, or information that could pose a threat to school safety.”

Officials reiterated the classic “see something, say something” mantra, emphasizing that timely reporting can make a significant difference in protecting students and staff. “As demonstrated by this incident, sharing information and taking concerns seriously can make a significant difference in protecting our students, school staff, and community,” the release added.

What parents and community members can do

Local leaders urge families to talk openly with their children about the dangers of firearms in schools and to reinforce the importance of reporting any concerns. The school resource officer program, which places trained law‑enforcement personnel on campus, continues to serve as a deterrent and rapid response resource.

While the investigation remains open, the swift action taken by school staff and police officials demonstrates the effectiveness of a coordinated approach to school safety. Community members are asked to stay alert, maintain open lines of communication with school officials, and support the ongoing efforts to keep Kalamazoo schools safe for all students.

Original reporting: FOX 17 WXMI Grand Rapids (local) — read the source article.