(Seguin) — Navarro ISD officials say two students were taken into custody after a weapon was confiscated on the Navarro High School campus.
Superintendent Mandy Epley issued a statement Wednesday morning explaining the situation. Dr. Epley says the incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, when a student alerted school officials that another student appeared to have a firearm inside a backpack. Epley says that Principal Clay Scarborough and campus law enforcement immediately detained the student in question and initiated a campus-wide “Hold” procedure. Despite the suspect’s denial, security footage and a thorough search of the campus resulted in the discovery of a loaded pistol concealed within the backpack.
Epley says the “Hold” was subsequently lifted, and the student responsible for bringing the weapon to school was arrested by the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office. She says the student will face criminal charges and disciplinary action, including mandatory expulsion as outlined in the Navarro ISD Student Code of Conduct.
Following further investigation, a second student was also arrested and charged with tampering with evidence for their role in concealing the backpack containing the firearm. This student will also face disciplinary action.
“This situation underscores the critical importance of our ‘See Something, Say Something’ initiative,” said Epley. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the student who came forward and reported their concerns. Their courage and quick action played a vital role in ensuring the safety of our campus, and displays that students are following through with what we teach regarding safety.”
At this time, Epley says there is no evidence indicating that the students involved intended to harm any students or staff. However, she reiterated the district’s zero-tolerance policy regarding weapons on campus.
“Bringing a weapon of any kind on campus is not only unacceptable, but criminal activity that will not be tolerated at Navarro ISD, and I support legal and disciplinary consequences for such behavior and actions to the fullest extent.”
Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray provided more information about the incident in a statement he released to the press Wednesday afternoon. Sheriff Ray says a 16-year old student is identified as the person, who brought the weapon onto the campus. He attempted to conceal the handgun from school staff. A 17-year old student, identified as Lajayvian Caad-Johnson, is accused of attempting to further conceal the firearm. Caad-Johnson’s name is being released, because under Texas law, he is considered an adult. Both students were arrested and charged with one count each of Places Weapons Prohibited and one count of Tampering with Evidence. Caad-Johnson was booked into the Guadalupe County Jail, while the 16-year old suspect was delivered and placed in the Guadalupe County Juvenile Detention Center.
Epley says the district extends its sincere appreciation to the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office for its swift and decisive response.
“Their partnership and support in this matter are invaluable,” said Epley.
Navarro ISD is committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff. The district is conducting a thorough investigation and will review all safety protocols to further strengthen campus security measures.
Parents are encouraged to reinforce with their children the importance of reporting any suspicious or concerning behavior to a trusted adult.
Epley says the safety of their students and staff is their highest priority. She says they will continue to work diligently to ensure that their campuses are secure and that their students and staff always feel safe at school.