Police arrested a 13-year-old who brandished a handgun, which resembled a real gun but was actually a BB gun, at the Harvard Junior High School Wednesday morning.
The Harvard Police Department responded around 7:40 a.m. Wednesday to the Harvard Junior High School, 1301 North Garfield Street.
Harvard Chief of Police Tyson Bauman said the response was initiated following reports of a student possibly carrying a weapon on school premises.
A vigilant staff member observed a student, age 13, brandishing what appeared to be a handgun from a backpack and showing it to other students.
“In a commendable act, the staff member intervened immediately, resulting in the discovery that the weapon in question was, in fact, a BB gun,” Bauman said.
The Harvard Police Department and Harvard Community School District 50 administration launched an investigation into the matter.
Bauman said the juvenile was charged with disorderly conduct and petitioned to the McHenry County Court Services.
The student has since been released to a guardian.
Bauman released photos of the BB gun, which he said “strikingly resembles” a real 1911-style handgun that lacks any distinguishing marks or orange tip.
“We urge parents and guardians to engage in conversations with their children regarding the gravity of bringing such items to school premises or carrying them in public areas,” the police chief said.
“While this incident was promptly identified and managed safely, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of such actions,” he said.
The Harvard Police Department said they remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of the Harvard community, particularly students.