Two students brought guns to Portage middle school
By Erin Guerra Post-Tribune correspondent October 26, 2012 12:31PM
Updated: November 28, 2012 6:09AM
PORTAGE — Two students reportedly brought guns onto their school bus and then to Willowcreek Middle School last week.
The witness did not come forward to police until Monday, and then it took some time for the students to be identified. Ultimately, a 12-year-old boy was expelled after admitting to bringing a BB gun to school; and a 14-year-old male, who had a real handgun and claimed involvement with the Gangster Disciples, was arrested and is being held at the juvenile detention center, police said.
Portage Police Chief Troy Williams commended School Resource Officers Greg Coleman and Mike Candiano for investigating the complaint and finding those responsible.
“Officer Coleman and Candiano’s diligent efforts took a loaded weapon off the streets of our city and put those who participate in this kind of activity on notice that we will not tolerate this type of activity,” Williams said in a news release Thursday.
The 12-year-old admitted bringing a Daisy BB gun, a realistic replica of a Colt model 1911 handgun, to school, according to police. The gun was found hidden in bushes near the boy’s home.
When police searched the other suspect’s bedroom, with his mother’s permission, an officer found a handgun between his mattresses. The 14-year-old was picked up at a relative’s home in New Chicago, then reportedly admitted he stole the gun two weeks before from an 18-year-old friend who lives in Gary.
The 14-year-old, who already had been arrested earlier in the week at school for alleged possession of marijuana, now is charged with dangerous possession of a firearm, a misdemeanor; and felony criminal gang activity.
