Parents Alarmed After Student Brings Gun To Maplewood Middle School

MAPLEWOOD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Parents in Maplewood, New Jersey were awaiting more information Thursday, after a student brought a handgun to school this week.

As CBS2's Valerie Castro reported, Maplewood police officers stood watch Thursday outside Maplewood Middle School, at 7 Burnet St., after the report of a gun on campus Wednesday sparked a lockdown.

Parents on Thursday said they were immediately informed by the school district that their students were not in danger.

"The students were safe, and that was communicated from the very first email so that was reassuring," said parent Morgan Hillis.

Maplewood police said the male student was taken into custody around lunchtime Wednesday. The 13-year-old student who allegedly brought the gun was a seventh grader, and the gun was a 9mm Glock handgun.

A day later, the South Orange-Maplewood School District released a statement saying the student involved "is under detention and will not be returning to Maplewood Middle School."

But parents believe more needs to be done in the future.

"It's terrifying for every parent, but you know, the kids are safe -- so you know, that's reassuring. The next step is, how are we going to make sure it doesn't happen again?" Hillis said.

At nearby Columbia High School, police were also visible after several fights have broken out there this week – including one on Thursday that prompted a lockdown.

News of school violence is something one parent said residents just have to deal with, and she said it was an opportunity to have open discussions with children.

"I think it's a part of our culture," said Patti Richardson. "Unfortunately, it's a reality that we all have to live with today."

The student was being held at the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center on Thursday night, he faces three charges, and could face more.

At Maplewood Middle School, the district provided guidance counselors Thursday for students who still had concerns.