Crime & Public Safety
Handgun Found in Backpack at West Allis High School; Student Taken into Custody
A student at Nathan Hale High School in West Allis was taken into custody after staff discovered a handgun in the student’s backpack during a security check on Sept. 23. School administrators said the search began when staff smelled what they believed to be Canna coming from the backpack at the main entrance vestibule; a resource officer and school administration conducted an immediate search and located a weapon.
According to school leadership, the student entered through the main entrance and staff responded promptly upon detecting the odor. The school resource officer assisted school administrators during the search and law enforcement was called to the scene. School officials reported there was never a direct threat to students or staff, and the student was taken into custody immediately by the City of West Allis Police Department.
The City of West Allis Police Department described the recovered item as a handgun. The school’s letter to families noted the district’s weapons policy and praised staff vigilance that led to swift identification and resolution of the incident. The letter also urged families to report tips and to discuss safety and responsible decision-making with students.
At this time the school reports the situation was contained at the scene and handled by school staff and the West Allis Police Department; the school characterized the event as not reflecting the school’s positive culture. No further case status details, charges, or outcomes have been provided by the investigating agency in the available account.
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