Published: August 27, 2008 11:46 am         

Galveston Elementary locked down

Authorities respond to report of teenagers with a gun

GALVESTON — Galveston Elementary School was temporarily locked down this week after administrators received word that two teenagers might be in the area and in possession of a handgun.

The lockdown began at 11:45 a.m. Monday and continued throughout the afternoon while local police searched for the teenagers.

Galveston Deputy Marshall Mike Clark said the junior high students had skipped school and were believed to be in Galveston.

“One of the mothers called me and said she had found a bullet in his pants pocket,” Clark said about one of the juveniles.

Clark said police found the students but they were not found to be in possession of a gun. The investigation is ongoing.

Clark said the students had not returned to school as of Tuesday, but were at their parents’ homes.

Trudie Hedrick, principal of Galveston Elementary, said the school’s students were not allowed to leave the premises until the end of the day on Monday. The front door was also locked.

John Bevan, superintendent of Southeastern School Corporation, called the lockdown a precautionary measure.

“We didn’t want to take a chance,” he said.

Bevan said the corporation would take disciplinary action against the students for skipping school.

Melissa Soria may be reached at (574) 732-5143 or via e-mail at melissa.soria@pharostribune.com