Ferndale Police Arrest Taft Student with Gun

Ferndale Police arrested a 16-year-old student Wednesday after school officials recovered a loaded handgun from the boy.

Police said the student is suspected of firing the gun in February at other Taft students who had stolen Cartier glasses worth $1,000 off of the suspect's face.

"A school official talked to the 16-year-old and asked if he had a gun," Ferndale Police Detective Lt. William Wilson said. "The student ran out of the office but was caught by the official and a security guard."

Wilson said they recovered a loaded pistol and called police. The suspect was arrested and appeared before juvenile court on Thursday. He is  being held without bond pending further court action.

The suspect reported to Ferndale Police in February that two students at Taft had stolen glasses from his face and ran from the school, Wilson said. When the report was made, the identity of the thieves was unknown.

"Due to the persistent work of the school administration, the students were identified and disciplined," Wilson said.

A subsequent confrontation followed between the two parties. One of the teens that stole the glasses gave more statements to school officials about the incident.

"He said that after he took the glasses, with another friend, they ran out of the school and down the street. The 16-year-old chased after them, then used a gun to fire shots," Wilson said.

Based on this information, school officials talked with the suspect, which led to recovering the gun.

"The case is still being investigated to determine whether the other 18-year-old students will be charged for stealing the glasses from the 16-year-old," Wilson said.

"It’s unfortunate when students make bad choices like this that impact their school community," Ferndale Public Schools spokesperson Stephanie Hall said. "But it’s important to remember there are hundreds of students making good choices and focusing on finishing high school every day at Taft."

Taft is part of Ferndale schools' adult and alternative education program.

The identities of the students are not being released because one is a juvenile and the incident is still under investigation.

"We appreciate the skillful handling of this situation by the school staff at Taft," Wilson said.