Haskell Police Arrest Student For Taking Gun To High School

A Haskell student was arrested Tuesday, January 15 after police say he brought a gun on campus two days in a row.

Haskell Police Department said they don’t believe the student intended to cause harm to other students. Instead they believe he brought the gun to show off to friends; however, they say they take student safety very seriously and worked with the school to get the situation under control as soon as possible. 

"We are there to protect them and we aren't going to let any harm get in their way," said Haskell PD Asst. Chief Kermit Thomas.

Haskell Police Department responded to the high school Tuesday morning after the superintendent called and said they needed an officer to get to the school right away. The school was placed on lockdown — but the police chief says most students thought it was a drill — so they had enough time to go through and find the weapon in 18-year-old Phillip Jones’ backpack.

Haskell Assistant Police Chief Kermit Thomas says the gun was unloaded and he doesn’t believe Jones intended to cause any harm, however, it’s a serious offense and the school and the police department acted quickly to make sure all students were safe. 

"He didn't have any intentions of hurting anyone. He somewhat gave us the story of he didn't know the gun was in his backpack," said Thomas.

Superintendent Harris says administrators constantly meet to go over emergency preparedness plans. He says everything ran smoothly because everyone was on the same page.

"I met with our administrative team to employ our plan. I have to be honest it worked flawlessly," said Harris. "I don't believe with everything in me I do not believe that you can properly or effectively educate them if they don't feel safe. "

Jones was arrested and taken to the Muskogee County Sheriff's Office.