SYCAMORE HILLS, Mo. — Multiple law enforcement agencies responded Wednesday morning when a concerned resident reported seeing a child carrying what looked like a pistol on surveillance video.
After receiving the report of a child who possibly went to one of the Ritenour schools carrying a gun, Overland police quickly coordinated with agencies in the Ritenour School District, including the St. Ann, Breckenridge Hills, Woodson Terrace and St. John police departments, according to a Facebook post from the St. John Police Department.
Investigation revealed the student went to Ritenour Middle School, where St. John maintains a school resource officer. According to the department, the student was located in the school, and the officer seized the child's weapon, which was identified as a "Glock"-replica pellet gun.
The student was arrested, and the case was presented to St. Louis County Family Court for consideration of charges in an effort to "hold the student responsible for their alarming actions and make a clear statement to all students going forward," police said. However, no charges were filed against the student.
St. John Police Department shared the following statement on Facebook in response to the lack of charges:
"After much 'debate' with the Family Courts Attorney, including numerous suggestions of alternative charges based on the alarming actions and the distress caused, this case was ultimately 'REFUSED.' While we are once again extremely disappointed in this decision by the juvenile courts and the adverse effects in our community that these decisions continue to create, we are extremely pleased with the cooperation between surrounding agencies and the Ritenour School District, continuing to work in unison to keep our schools safe."
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