A 16-year-old carried a loaded pistol into Como Park High in St. Paul, then bolted during a frisk before police caught him.
At a Glance
- Student brought a loaded semiautomatic pistol into Como Park High School.
- Staff discovered the weapon during a frisk in the school office.
- Teen fled on foot and escaped the building before police arrived.
- He was arrested about a mile away and the gun was recovered nearby.
- Prosecutors filed juvenile felony charges for weapon possession.
The Incident
The teenager entered the school around 8:30 a.m. with a semiautomatic pistol. He stayed in the building through the morning hours. Staff later escorted him to the office for a search.
During a frisk, office staff felt the weapon tucked into his clothing. At that moment, the student broke free and sprinted out of the building. Security could not contain him before he disappeared.
Watch now: Student arrested after reportedly running from Como Park Senior High with a handgun
Police launched a search across nearby streets and alleys. By 12:30 p.m., officers found the teen hiding in a yard about a mile from the school. The pistol, still loaded with one round, was recovered behind the property.
The Fallout
Administrators quickly informed families of the breach. Principal Diana Brown sent a letter that condemned the act and stressed that school policy imposes strict penalties for weapons.
The teen now faces two felony charges in juvenile court. Prosecutors filed counts for carrying a dangerous weapon on school grounds and unlawful possession by a minor. The outcome may hinge on prior juvenile records.
The school board faces questions from parents who demand stronger protection. District leaders promised a review of safety protocols and frisking procedures to prevent similar lapses.
Wider Context
This case fits a troubling local pattern. Just months earlier, a 14-year-old carried an unloaded pistol into Johnson High School in the same district. In another episode, violence near St. Paul campuses drew police response.
Community leaders warn that guns entering schools highlight a broader crisis of youth access to firearms. Advocates press for stricter storage laws and tougher accountability for adults who supply weapons.
Police stress that quick coordination between staff and officers contained the threat. No students or staff were injured. Still, many parents argue that the hours-long gap between entry and arrest left too much risk.
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