ALPINE TOWNSHIP, Mich. — School administrators with Kenowa Hills confirmed two students found a handgun in the high school bathroom after the school day was over Wednesday.
Once the students alerted staff, 911 was called and the area was immediately shut down.
“Through our collaborative efforts, we were able to identify that the handgun belonged to a part-time Kent County Marine Officer who had been at the high school teaching boater safety lessons and had used the restroom where the handgun was discovered,” a letter sent to parents explained.
The district says the handgun was left unattended for “a very short time."
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office now is looking into the incident. The officer who allegedly left the gun behind has been placed on leave, pending results from the sheriff's office's investigation.
Captain Joel Roon tells FOX 17 the firearm was left unattended in the bathroom for about 30 minutes. No other students entered the bathroom before the two who alerted staff.
“We are very thankful for the quick and highly responsible actions taken by the two students who reported this concerning discovery,” the letter to parents read. “Their swift action allowed administrators to take immediate measures to ensure a safe outcome.”
The sheriff's office hopes the unfortunate circumstance can be a learning moment for everyone.
“We just preach firearm safety over and over and over again," Captain Roon said Thursday. "And I think this is just one of those gentle reminders about complacency and what could result if we aren't careful.”
The incident remains under investigation. The Sheriff's Office says it will share any findings with administrators at Kenowa Hills Public Schools.
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