Pike County Sheriff’s Department learns student brought gun to school dance, but no threats made

PLEASANT HILL, Ill. — A student was discovered to have brought a handgun to a school dance, but an investigation determined the student never entered the school building and no threats were made.

At 7:14 p.m. Friday, the Pike County Sheriff’s Department and Pleasant Hill Police Department were dispatched to Pleasant Hill Elementary School in reference to a student in possession of a handgun at a junior high school dance.  

Chief Deputy Zack Orr, who also serves as the chief of the Pleasant Hill Police Department, arrived within four minutes of the initial call. Orr met with school officials who had already locked down the portion of the school where the dance was taking place.

Information was developed as to the identity of the juvenile. Witnesses reported the juvenile was wearing a backpack which contained a handgun. It was discovered the juvenile already had left school property.  

Orr found the juvenile off school property. The juvenile was cooperative and provided Orr with a CO2 gun. 

As a result of the investigation, no formal charges are pending.   

Orr commended the school district and law enforcement response. He also praised students who immediately reported their concerns to school staff.