Battle High School student found with weapon in backpack

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Battle High School student was found with a weapon in their backpack before entering school on Monday morning, according to an email sent to parents by Principal Alyssa Galbreath.

ABC 17 News received a copy of the email from a Columbia Public Schools spokesperson. The type of weapon found was not described.

The email sent to parents states that school officials do not believe the student planned on using the weapon at school. The name of the student was not included.

“This morning, prior to the start of the school day, our school received a tip from parents that a student had a weapon in their backpack. Upon receiving the tip, the school and SROs immediately confiscated the weapon from the student before the student entered any classrooms,” the email from Galbreath reads. “We take this incident very seriously. The investigation does not indicate the student had intent to use the weapon at school and it is not connected to any school-related matters.”

CPS spokesperson Michelle Baumstark said in an email that the school district’s disciplinary policy about weapons can include a 1-180 day suspension up to an expulsion.

ABC 17 News also reached out to the Columbia Police Department.