3 metro campuses troubled by guns

By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A disturbing week for Oklahoma City public schools after three guns were found on three separate campuses.

This is not the type of news school administrators would like to hear, but they're pleased with the outcomes because it proved the measures put in place are working.

The first incident occurred when staff at U.S Grant High School found a student with a loaded weapon. A four day lockdown followed with a heightened police presence.

The second incident involved a fourth grader at Bodine Elementary who was caught with a toy gun.

The most recent incident happened Friday morning at John Marshall High School. Officials found a BB gun in the backpack of a 14-year-old student.

"I think that this was merely a case where the student forgot. I don't think the student had any mal intent and was going to do any harm to any staff," John Marshall High School principal Corey Harris said.

That may not always be the case, which is why the district stepped up measures including walk-through and hand-held metal detectors.

"We're just doing a much better job in being tuned in to these types of problems and addressing them immediately," Oklahoma City police officer Jim Burkey of the chief operating office said.

There were reported problems between resource officers and the principals of the schools where officers were assigned.

"We now know about those concerns. We don't like it, but we're certainly working with the police department to get those rectified," said Tierney Cook of OKC public schools.

The new superintendent has already held a meeting with Chief Bill Citty in hopes of fostering a better relationship between schools and police.

All 3 students have been reprimanded by the school and two could face criminal charges.