After a thorough search, no threat was identified. Student set to be expelled for at least one year.
A comment by a student at Parke Heritage Middle School prompted an investigation about a possible gun.
On Thursday morning, the Parke County Sheriff's Office reports that a Parke Heritage Middle School 6th grader allegedly made a comment about having a firearm in his backpack while riding the bus to school. The incident was reported to school authorities by the school's resource officer just after 9 a.m.
In response, school officials promptly searched the student's locker and personal belongings at the school but found no firearm or related materials. However, the student was on a field trip at Raccoon Lake at the time of the search.
Parke County Sheriff's Ddeputies arrived at Raccoon Lake by 9:17 a.m. and made contact with the student, who had been separated from other students by school staff. Deputies conducted a thorough search of the student's belongings, and the bus used for transportation, but no firearm or related materials were discovered.
By 9:45 a.m., deputies had reached the student’s home to speak with his family and conduct a search of the residence. No firearms were found. The family denied having any in their possession.
In light of the situation, the school has initiated the process to expel the student for one year, citing safety concerns. The Parke County Sheriff's Office has also confirmed that a criminal investigation into the incident is ongoing.
2026 Red Hill High School Homecoming schedule released
Farm harvest safety reminders for drivers
Southwestern Indiana fugitive arrested in Illinois after multi-county chase
Governor Braun proclaims Indiana Rail Safety Week September 21-27
City of Lawrenceville to begin hydrant flushing
Lawrence County (ILL.) man charged with child sex crime
LCMH promotes Diesser to Lead Cardiopulmonary Nurse
IECC District #529 passes budget and district plans
Lawrence County Fall Festival entertainment rescheduled
Lawrence County Board approves moratorium on data centers; solar project moving forward
Vincennes Lincoln High School among those to receive banner recognition from Special Olympics North America
New solar project moving forward in Knox County
Lawrence Public Library is solid financial shape for the future
United Way of Knox County Day of Caring Set for September 17–18
Gov. Braun continues to deliver on promise to keep local governments whole during gas tax holiday
Indiana state forests to offer open houses
