A Moline Middle School Locks Down After Kid Brings In Fake Gun

A Moline middle school went on lockdown early Thursday morning. The Moline Police Department says that a middle school student was observed entering the school with what appeared to be a gun. Luckily, it wasn't a real gun and all staff and students are safe and back to learning.

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In a press release on Thursday, the Moline Police Department said that everyone is safe and back to learning after an incident took place at John Deere Middle School in Moline.

According to the Moline Police Department press release,  at approximately 8:09 a.m. Thursday morning, a middle school-age student was observed with what appeared to be a handgun entering John Deere Middle School. The observation was reported to the School Resource Officer (SRO) who was inside the building and immediately took action.

Officials say John Deere Middle School was placed on lockdown as law enforcement began a response.

The press release says that a second Moline Police Officer arrived on the scene at 8:11 a.m. and entered the building to assist in the search for the juvenile. The SRO located the student at 8:14 a.m. and the situation was secured. The student was found to be in possession of a BB handgun, not a real firearm.

Officials from the Moline Police Department say that it's important to note that the handgun was not real and no students were in danger.

Officials say this situation does highlight the importance of alerting a trusted adult such as a police officer or school administrator anytime suspicious activity is observed. In this case, the process worked and a police officer was able to immediately intervene.

While this was not a real firearm, all suspicious activity is treated seriously. It is still unlawful to take a replica or look-a-like gun in a school and this investigation is ongoing.

The Moline Police Department said there is no need for parents to respond to the school or for any children to be picked up. All children are safe and the academic environment is operating normally.

No further information is available at this time, according to officials.