Police: ‘No confirmation’ middle school stabbing suspect previously brought gun to school

WARRENTON, Mo. (First Alert 4) -- Warrenton Police now say there has been no confirmation that the boy who stabbed a teacher and two students Thursday previously possessed or brought a gun onto school property.

Many parents and posts on social media had raised questions about any previous instances involving the suspect, who is also a student at Black Hawk Middle School.

“We recognize that parents and community members have legitimate questions regarding school safety and whether this incident could have been prevented. Those concerns deserve serious consideration and fact-based answers,” Warrenton Police said in a statement.

The statement says that the investigation has confirmed a previous allegation involving a firearm that was reported to the School Resource Officer (SRO). Police say the SRO addressed the allegation immediately and conducted searches of the student’s belongings and residence.

During that investigation, the statement says, the boy’s mother also said that there weren’t firearms in the home.

Additionally, they added that information obtained during the current investigation shows that the student did not have access to firearms in the home and chose a knife as the weapon used during Thursday’s incident.

“At this stage of the investigation, there has been no confirmation that the juvenile previously possessed or brought a firearm onto school property,” the statement said.

The school added more precautionary measures after the firearm allegation, according to the statement. It did not say what those measures were.

Police say they remain committed to a thorough and impartial investigation and ask the public to refrain from circulating unsubstantiated claims that may increase fear in the community.

Police were called to Black Hawk Middle School just before 8 a.m. Thursday. One student who was stabbed was flown to a hospital. Another student had “superficial wounds.” The teacher who got hurt was taken to a hospital by ambulance.

Police said just before 1:30 p.m. Thursday that the student was in stable condition. The teacher was discharged before 2 p.m.

Warren County R-III District Superintendent Gregg Klinginsmith confirmed one of the injured students is his son. The other victims have not been publicly identified.

The suspect was apprehended shortly after the incident and was not injured.

In their statement Friday, Warrenton police said they recognize the concern, fear and frustration expressed by members of the community, writing: “Our thoughts remain with the injured victims, their families, and the students and staff affected by this incident.”