Juvenile detained after allegedly pointing BB gun at students at recess

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- South Bend Police responded to Kennedy Primary Academy Monday after receiving reports of three males approaching the school yard with a firearm, and pointing the gun at students.

The incident happened around 12:30 p.m. while fourth graders were at recess.

The principal of the school said the three young men attempted to engage a few students in conversation, then one of them pulled out a BB gun.

The teachers blew the whistle to call the students inside immediately and the three males left.

Detectives located the three males, all juveniles, walking away from the school.

One of the three juveniles, a 16-year-old, had a plastic BB gun.

The teen with the BB gun was detained.

The other two juveniles were released to their parents/guardians.

Principal William Waskom sent a letter to parents with information about the incident.

This letter is to inform you that at approximately 12:30 pm during fourth grade recess, our fourth grade teachers noticed three young men approaching the recess fence. The young men attempted to engage a few students in conversation then one of the young men pulled out a BB gun. The teachers blew the whistle to call the students inside immediately and the young men took off running a few blocks away. Our secretary called 911. The police responded within minutes and apprehended the young men. I know that there have already been many rumors being spread about the situation and I wanted you to have the most accurate information. I apologize for any distress this might have caused your child. Your child’s safety is always our biggest concern. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at 574-393-3100 or [email protected].

A neighbor and his grandchildren said the situation is frightening to say the least.

“Well it’s kind of scary because I have grandkids in several of these South Bend schools and even though we haven’t had anything around here, I know it can happen," said Donald Smith. 

"I have a five year old sister that I take car of every day so it kind of scares me to that what if it was real, what if it happened at her school and she was outside playing," said Kenedy Scott.