A parent volunteering at Navigator Upper Elementary school in Pinckney who officials said possessed a handgun that fell to the floor in March will face criminal charges.
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Carolyn Henry confirmed in an email that the parent, whose name hasn’t been released, would be charged. She did not disclose the charge or whether it is a misdemeanor or felony, but said arraignment is set for 8:30 a.m. on April 14. School officials said the volunteer was a man.
She said no additional information would be available until after the arraignment.
A “well-known, active and engaged volunteer” who possesses a concealed pistol license brought the gun into the building on March 17, according to a letter sent to Pinckney Community Schools families from Superintendent Rick Todd and Navigator Principal Ruth Badalucco.
A holster and the gun fell to the floor while the man was “engaging with students” in the school’s gymnasium, according to the letter. The incident was immediately reported to Badalucco and the parent took the gun to his vehicle.
The school’s resource officer and Todd were both notified and went to the school.
The school district at the time said officials would make a full report to police that officials expect will be sent to the Livingston County Prosecutor David Reader’s office, according to the letter.
The parent is barred from volunteering at any Pinckney Community Schools buildings in the meantime, they said.
The school was never placed on lockdown because there was no immediate threat, according to the letter.
“Although this parent is feeling extremely remorseful, embarrassed and responsible for what has happened, it does not negate the seriousness of this and the potential for something more serious to occur, which we are extremely grateful did not,” Todd and Badalucco wrote. “Please know that we fully respect an individuals right to carry a gun given they are appropriately licensed, but please know that it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon into a school building, regardless if a CPL is obtained, unless very specific permissions are granted, which generally involves retired law enforcement personnel.
“What happened today is one of the unfortunate examples of why it is so important for those who do choose to legally carry a gun to make sure it is properly secured in their vehicle or residence before entering a school building as accidents like this can happen as we learned today.”