Police arrested a freshman during fifth period today after his teacher reported to security that the student had a pellet gun.

“There was no intention to inflict harm,” principal Alan Goodwin said. “It was more like for show and tell, but the student did bring a potentially dangerous item that could have done damage.”

The student had shown his classmates the pellet gun earlier in the day, but no student reported it until fourth period, when a classmate informed his teacher. Security confiscated the student’s air gun and pellets from his backpack.

“I’m proud that a student eventually came forward and helped us combat the potentially dangerous situation,” Goodwin said.

The student faces 10 days suspension and a recommendation for expulsion.

During eighth period, Goodwin made a PA announcement informing students and staff of the incident. He sent a letter home with students reiterating the same explanation.

Though a similar incident occurred on Dec. 10 when police arrested two students for bringing a stun gun to school, Goodwin said he’s optimistic that the isolated incidents wouldn’t create a negative perception of the school as a whole.

“There will be no official steps taken by the school to address the two situations but I will continue to remind students to be careful about what they bring to school,” Goodwin said. “I will also email parents, encouraging them to be more vigilant at home in overseeing what their students carry with them.”

In his email to WhitNet the night of the incident, Goodwin wrote that the school is still a safe place for students and reminded parents to talk to their children about weapon-use.

“The incidents are serious, but not an indication of increasing violence,” Goodwin wrote. “What is alarming is the fact that some students still make bad decisions despite a range of warnings, so I am asking all parents to review with students what is appropriate to have in school and what is not. Remember, you have parental rights and responsibilities to help your students stay safe.”