BRAINTREE, MASS. (WHDH) - A student was arrested at Braintree High School Monday morning after he was caught with an airsoft pistol on campus, according to Braintree police.
At approximately 9 a.m., a Braintree Police Department School Resource Officer said he was approached by a witness at Braintree High School, who reported that another student was in possession of a handgun.
The resource officer said he immediately notified his supervisors and school administration. Braintree police said they also got a tip that a 17-year-old had brought the weapon to school.
A shelter-in-place was then issued at the school, and school staff were able to separate and detain the male student.
“They were able to search him and they did discover what looked to be a nine millimeter. The weapon did turn out to be an airsoft weapon,” said Braintree Police Chief Tim Cohoon. “But obviously a very serious situation. It looked almost exact to what our officers carry.”
The weapon fires small, plastic pellets that can cause injuries.
“Obviously that should not happen ever,” said Cody Keung, a senior at Braintree High School.
Initially, students weren’t told that a weapon was the cause of the shutdown. They learned that in an email sent to parents after the situation was mitigated.
“I think they just announced that there was a medical issue or something,” said Keung.
“I’m really proud of our Braintree High School staff,” said Tim MacDonald, Superintendent of Braintree Public Schools. “The quick action they did to keep everybody safe.”
The student will appear in the juvenile section of Quincy District Court to face several charges including resisting arrest. Police said while he was cooperative at the school, he tried to run away while being questioned at the police department.
The student’s name has not yet been released.
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