Boonville police: Bullying results in false report of armed student on school bus
BOONVILLE, Mo. (KMIZ)
Boonville police officers were called to a report of a student with a gun on a school bus Wednesday morning.
According to the Boonville Police Department, officers responded to a 911 report that a student had a gun on the school bus near 11th Street and Jefferson Road.
After an investigation police learned there was no gun involved, according to the release. Police said the situation stemmed from bullying and students on the bus reported false information to the bus driver.
The Cooper County Sheriff's Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol assisted Boonville police at the scene.
Boonville R-1 Superintendent Mark Harvey told ABC 17 News in an email that all students ride the same buses, and this incident occurred on bus 106 after kindergarten through second graders and 9th through 12th graders were already dropped off.
This happened one day after one student was assaulted by another in the parking lot at the High School.
"We continue to implement proactive safety and anti-bullying measures, including student education, staff training, and reporting procedures, to foster a safe and respectful learning environment," Harvey said in the email. "While any isolated incident is concerning, these situations are being handled with the seriousness they deserve, and we remain committed to promoting a positive school culture."
Harvey said the reason for the school bus delay was a "misunderstood" report.
"A school bus was delayed after a misunderstood report led to the driver having safety concerns about a possible weapon on the bus," Harvey said in the email.
Boonville police said the bus incident will be referred to the Cooper County Juvenile Office.