New London high school student charged after discovery of a pellet gun
New London — Police arrested a high school student on Monday morning following this discovery of an unloaded pellet gun and marijuana in his backpack.
John Parker, 18, of 188 Elm St. was charged with possession of a firearm on school grounds and possession of marijuana. He was released on a $5,000 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in New London Superior Court on Dec. 2.
The school district issued a statement to parents on Monday, saying a student was brought to an administrator on Monday morning because he smelled like marijuana. School administration conducted a search of the student’s backpack and found the marijuana and BB gun.
The BB gun was not used and not believed to be a threat to other students, Superintendent Cynthia Ritchie said in an email.
“The safety and security of all students and staff is of our utmost importance and we are pleased with the immediate reaction the school staff took,” Ritchie said in the email.
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