Superintendent: Foster Elementary student brought weapon to school

A student at Foster Elementary School in Franklin was arrested Wednesday after officials discovered that the student brought a weapon onto the campus, Superintendent Dr. Teresa Bagwell said in a press release.

"School officials acted promptly to isolate the student and maintain the safety of all students and staff during the discovery and investigation process," Bagwell said.

Local law enforcement and the St. Mary Parish School Board’s school resource officer assisted in investigating the incident and verified the authenticity of the
weapon in the student’s possession. Parents were immediately informed through the school system’s JCampus communication system.

"Additionally, school officials will continue to employ all safety measures that ensure a secure campus each day," Bagwell said.

A press release from Franklin Police Chief Morris Beverly identified the weapon as a handgun and said the student, who is an 11-year-old male, was arrested at 10:13 a.m. Wednesday on the charge of illegal carrying of a weapon, illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile and disturbing the peace (alarming the public). The juvenile was booked, processed and released pending juvenile court.